PANABO CITY – Promising startup founders under the Department of Science and Technology-Davao del Norte State College (DOST-DNSC) BUGSAI Technology Business Incubator (TBI) showcased their innovations before government agencies, investors, and industry partners during the PAGPALAWOD: Lawig Business Incubation Program Grand Demo Day on July 22, 2026, at Molave Hotel, Tagum City.
The event served as the culmination of the Lawig Business Incubation Program, where around 20 startup incubatees completed an intensive incubation journey designed to transform bold ideas into viable, impact-driven ventures. Over the past several months, participants underwent entrepreneurial learning laboratories, design thinking workshops, business validation activities, and one-on-one mentoring sessions facilitated by the DOST-DNSC BUGSAI TBI.
In her opening message, Dr. Jesebel R. Besas, Project Leader of the DOST-DNSC BUGSAI TBI, shared what the occasion represented, “Today’s event is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a celebration of resilience, creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. It is also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships among government, academia, industry, and the startup community as we continue building an innovation-driven ecosystem in the Davao Region.”
The Grand Demo Day provided the incubatees with an opportunity to present their business solutions, validate market potential, and forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders from government, industry, and the investment community.
Leading the startup pitches were EcoTech Solutions, Aquasphere Technologies, Inc., FreshDart, and Brackish Inc., each presenting innovative solutions addressing environmental sustainability, aquaculture, food systems, and technology-driven community development. Also featured during the event were Samal Island Feedback System and Mavil’s House of Mushrooms.
Delivering her message of support, DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa called on stakeholders to sustain investments in emerging startups, “Today, as we celebrate the achievements of our incubatees, I appeal to all stakeholders present: let us continue to support and invest. Kasi sayang din naman yung pinaghirapan pag walang support. Nobody can survive na sila-sila lang. We really need to collaborate and support each other, especially our incubates. Let us build a vibrant startup ecosystem that positions the Davao Region as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence.”
