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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) through the USMart Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and USM Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer, and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO) in close coordination with the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST–TAPI), gathered start-up founders and innovators to craft proposals and secure funding, on January 21 to 23, 2026 at the USM Skyroom, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The activity, designed for Intellectual Property Audit and Proposal Writeshop, was initiated in support the mandate of UMS in mainstreaming technology commercialization, startup incubation, and industry-relevant innovation among its students, faculty, and personnel.
Through focused mentoring and technical inputs, the writeshop aimed to significantly enhance the chances of participating startups and innovators in securing funding support for technology-based, impact-driven, and market-oriented projects. It also anticipates to contribute to improve the overall quality of the University’s innovation and commercialization outputs.
Resource persons from DOST-TAPI namely, Mr. Roberto R. Verzosa – GALING Senior Program Manager Mr. Jomari J. Lasay – SRS II, Industry Development Division (IDD) Ms. Maria Michelle T. Amarillas – e-IPRAP Program Manager Engr. Josa C. Elegado – SRS II, facilitated the writeshop.
During the sessions, DOST-TAPI personnel provided guidance to participating startup teams that refined, strengthened, and aligned their proposals with the priorities and requirements of the GALING Program.
In his message, Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the USM President, expressed his gratitude to DOST-TAPI for conducting the three-day Proposal Writeshop and IP Audit. He said that the activity is only the beginning of the strong partnership of USM and DOST-TAPI. The President, as an innovator himself, also have his project presented, IP audited, and filed for protection.
Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, the IPTTBDO Director, thanked DOST-TAPI for conducting the activity. He said that USM has always been a partner of DOST, including PCIEERD and PCAARRD for many years and it’s a first time with DOST-TAPI.
“With this partnership, 9 proposals were submitted and 12 technologies were IP audited. These proposals, if approved, will be given the opportunity to make their technologies commercialized. It is a manifestation that when innovations are protected and supported, it will create an impact beyond the University and in the community where the innovations are generated,” he emphasized.
The activity gathered innovators assisted by USMart TBI and USM ATBI, entrepreneurs outside USM, and startup founders from Notre Dame of Midsayap College, MSU Maguindanao, and General Santos City.
