ESO Welcomes USG Dept. of Outreach, Extension for Consultation
September 24, 2026
As part of its founding anniversary celebration, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through the Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer, Business and Development Office (IPTTBDO) and the USM Adaptable and Resource-Efficient Technologies-Technology Business Incubator (USMART TBI), held the SPARK 3.0 Pitching Competition on September 24, 2026, at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Six student teams from the USM Main Campus and USM-Kidapawan City Campus took part in the competition, presenting technology-based solutions that address needs in health, agriculture, infrastructure, business, emergency management, and other areas.
Competing teams were WattUp, GIYA, MeTechnnovation, UMA, GabayX, and I-Opti.
WattUp, which presented a technology aimed at improving internet connectivity for businesses, won first place. UMA, with its technology for agricultural inputs, placed second, while GIYA, which presented a solution for visually impaired individuals, secured third place.
The event formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held before the pitching competition.Instructor Kenneth M. Garfin of the USM College of Engineering and Information Technology, Dr. Marilou Emcabo, member of the Board of Trustees of CATALIST-Cotabato Province, and Mr. Mark Nikko L. Manginsay of the Department of Trade and Industry, served as judges for the contest.
Spearheaded by Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, the competition was organized by IPTTBDO and USMART TBI.
