Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development - ACEND

15/04/2026

[𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐒] 🚀 ₱𝟓𝐌 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬!

The WHWise Program is back! If you’re ready to scale your social impact, this is your chance to secure up to ₱5M in funding. Don’t just build a business—build a movement.

📅 Deadline: May 8, 2026 | 5:00 PM
💻 Apply: https://dpmisv2.dost.gov.ph/

15/04/2026

𝐀𝐋𝐞𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓!

A proud milestone for AZUL Hub as one of its incubatees, 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢 (𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻), an innovative early warning system developed by Ateneo de Zamboanga University and supported by DOST IX, was officially recognized through an 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 during the 1st Quarter RDRRMC IX Full Council Meeting.

ALeRTO continues to advance DRRM efforts across Mindanao, marking a significant milestone with the successful registration of its first patent, further showcasing the power of homegrown innovation in strengthening community resilience.

Represented by 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗦. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿, DOST IX reaffirmed its commitment to advancing innovations that strengthen disaster resilience in the region.

𝗢𝗖𝗗 𝗜𝗫 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 emphasized the significance of ALeRTO, highlighting its vital role in enhancing early warning capabilities and protecting communities through science, technology, and innovation.

This recognition marks a significant step forward in championing solutions that save lives and build safer, more resilient communities.

15/04/2026

[𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒] — 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The AZUL Hub held a productive meeting with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), attended by Executive Assistant Junty Castillo III.

During the meeting, AZUL Hub, through Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, presented its mission, startup outputs, regional situationer, the HEIRIT ReSEED project under the HERMOSA Consortium, and proposed areas for collaboration. The discussion highlighted shared goals between AZUL Hub and LEDIPO in strengthening startup development, promoting employment, and advancing innovation in Region IX and Western BARMM.

Both parties recognized the region’s strong potential in ICT-based startups, while also acknowledging the need to improve access to investments. In response, LEDIPO expressed openness to aligning its Strategic Investment Priority Plan to better support startup initiatives. The office also conveyed its support for the Reverse Pitching program as a platform to connect industry challenges with innovative solutions.

The meeting also highlighted the Halal industry as a key area for collaboration, with Mr. Junty Castillo III sharing his role as Co-Chair in advancing Halal initiatives, aligning with the mission of AZUL Hub and the HERMOSA Consortium.

LEDIPO expressed its support for the presented initiatives, with both parties looking forward to a follow-up meeting to further strengthen collaboration and advance joint efforts in supporting startups, innovation, and regional development.

15/04/2026

Continuing the series of engagements under the 2026 Zamboanga Peninsula Industry Cluster Assessment and Planning organized by DTI IX, another consultation session was held with stakeholders from the 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐬 and 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 industries.

The activity continues to bring together industry stakeholders to assess current accomplishments, identify challenges and opportunities within the value chain, and collaboratively develop action plans that will strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of these sectors in the region.

Through this platform, industries are also introduced to innovation-driven initiatives that connect them with innovators, startups, and students who can help address real industry challenges and contribute to regional economic development.

Follow our page for more updates and opportunities for collaboration.

09/03/2026

Stay connected with the latest updates on entrepreneurship and innovation!

Follow our official page to learn more about our programs, initiatives, and opportunities for startups, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Stay connected with innovation and entrepreneurship updates!

Follow the official page of the Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development - ACEND to stay informed about our latest programs, initiatives, and opportunities in startup development, technology transfer, and digital fabrication.

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https://tinyurl.com/spzatkr4

Be part of a growing community fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and development.

09/03/2026

𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚

Another session of the 2026 Zamboanga Peninsula Industry Cluster Assessment and Planning, organized by DTI IX, was conducted on March 6, 2026, engaging stakeholders from the Fish Industry in the morning and the Seaweed Industry in the afternoon.

During the activity, AZUL Hub presented the upcoming Reverse Pitching initiative, contributing to the HERMOSA Consortium’s efforts to strengthen industry–academe–government collaboration and promote innovation-driven solutions for regional development.

The Industry Cluster Assessment and Planning gathers key stakeholders to review industry developments and identify challenges and opportunities within the value chain. Insights from these discussions will contribute to the formulation of action plans aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of priority industries in the region.

During the sessions, AZUL Hub introduced the Reverse Pitching initiative—an approach where industries present real challenges and innovators, startups, and students collaborate to develop solutions that respond to these needs. Participants were also provided with a Challenge Statement Form to identify key issues within their sectors.
Follow our page for more updates and opportunities to collaborate with innovators and startups in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

07/03/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐙𝐔: 𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐄𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐇𝐒 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

The ZamPen InnoHive FabLab team recently held coordination meetings with Ateneo de Zamboanga University administrators to explore how digital fabrication can be integrated into both Higher Education and Senior High School learning.

On February 12, 2026, the team met with the Vice President for Higher Education and the Deans of SMA and CSITE. A key realization from the discussion was the strong potential for FabLab technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, VR/AR, and digital prototyping to support research, capstone projects, and interdisciplinary innovation across programs. As a next step, CSITE faculty members from various departments will visit the FabLab on March 16 and 17 to further explore possible integrations.

Meanwhile, on March 5, 2026, the FabLab team met with the Vice President for Basic Education, the SHS Principal, and the Assistant Principal for Academics to discuss opportunities for SHS learners. The conversation highlighted how the FabLab can strengthen hands-on learning for STEM while also supporting ABM students in their Entrepreneurship subject by enabling them to design and sell fabricated products.

Both meetings reaffirmed a shared vision of transforming students from passive consumers into makers, innovators, and young entrepreneurs. Moving forward, the HEI and SHS leadership and the FabLab team will remain in close communication as curriculum plans continue to develop.

23/01/2026

[𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒] — 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 — AZUL Hub convened key university stakeholders, including University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, Vice President for Higher Education Fr. Rene Tacastacas, SJ, University Legal Adviser Atty. AJ Cressmundo, School of Management and Accountancy (SMA) Dean Josephine Dajuela, College of Science, Information Technology, and Engineering (CSITE) represented by Ms. Precious Opinion, Senior High School represented by Mr. Adore Memoracion, and Global Paths – Internationalization Office represented by Ms. Camille Lin Hua, for a discussion on regional priorities and ongoing initiatives. Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, Director of ACEND, presented the regional situationer and discussed the mission and objectives of the ReSEED Track implementation.
The meeting highlighted critical regional challenges, particularly the need to cultivate a stronger culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. Discussions emphasized shifting mindsets beyond traditional employment pathways and ensuring that student capstone projects are translated into sustainable and impactful initiatives. University stakeholders also explored opportunities for academic and curriculum development, encouraging out-of-the-box ideas and initiatives that strengthen the passion of both teachers and students for learning, innovation, and social impact. The importance of strengthening the internal AdZU consortium was emphasized, alongside enhancing collaboration among SMA, CSITE, SHS, and AZUL Hub to more effectively support the HERMOSA Consortium. Additionally, the relevance of Halal development within the BIMP-EAGA context was discussed, including the potential role of AdZU as a platform for Halal initiatives, in close partnership with Islamic leaders in the region.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss strengthening collaboration, advancing innovative academic approaches, and exploring initiatives that promote regional innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

10/01/2026

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through AZUL Hub, convened the HERMOSA Consortium for a coordination meeting to discuss the overview and project objectives of the Year 2 implementation of 𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙏 𝙍𝙚𝙎𝙀𝙀𝘿: 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙥 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙈𝙊𝙎𝘼 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙪𝙢, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
The Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST IX) formally endorsed AZUL Hub as the Project Lead and Secretariat of the HERMOSA Consortium. With this endorsement, AZUL Hub reaffirms its commitment to advancing regional innovation, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and promoting a more coordinated and sustainable startup ecosystem in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Western BARMM.
The meeting was presided over by Mr. Mario Rodriguez, Director of Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development (ACEND) who presented the regional situationer, identified key gaps, and outlined the expected outputs under Track 2, including the roles and responsibilities of each consortium member in the implementation.
The meeting was attended by the HERMOSA Consortium, chaired by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IX, represented by OIC–Regional Director Rosemarie Salazar, with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IX, represented by Regional Director Al-Zamir Lipae, and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IX BASULTA, represented by Regional Director Cheryl Ortega, as Co-Chairs, and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) as a consortium member.
The discussion proved productive as the Consortium emphasized the need to move away from working in silos, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and align institutional mandates and objectives toward the effective implementation of Track 2. In support of this, DOST IX committed to lead a Strategic Planning activity for the Consortium to further advance regional startup development in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Western BARMM.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among Consortium members to strengthen collaboration, align initiatives, and work together toward a more vibrant and sustainable regional startup ecosystem.

13/08/2025

𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐃) 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭

ACEND had an amazing start connecting with visitors, showcasing our products, and sharing what we do best.

This exhibit was made possible through the collaboration of FabLab, Azul Hub TBI, and ITSO — three offices working together to promote innovation, creativity, and the power of digital fabrication. Our goal is to inspire students, educators, and the community through hands-on projects and real-world solutions. It’s also a space to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas—continuing our mission to empower future makers and innovators.

Thank you to everyone who dropped by and showed support!

We’re just getting started — come see us from August 12–15 at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Canisius Lobby. See you there!