DOST-ADZU AZUL HUB

27/03/2026

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.

25/03/2026

[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.

12/03/2026

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 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.

📌 Like and follow our page here:
https://tinyurl.com/spzatkr4

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

06/03/2026

𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳 𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚ñ𝐨𝐬, 𝐅𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝! 🎉

Your visionary leadership continues to inspire our AdZU community, guiding us in turning challenges into opportunities and advancing our mission for innovation, transformative education, and holistic growth. May this new year bring strength, joy, and wisdom as we journey together toward brighter horizons.

Happy birthday, Fr Ernald!

With a heart that remains ever-youthful and a vision that stays steps ahead of the curve, Fr Ernald continues to be the dynamic spark for our community. As the AdZU President for 3 years now, you closely worked with the community navigating the university’s challenges and turning roadblocks into opportunities for growth, solidarity, and of seeing the world with renewed hope, clarity, and purpose.

Fr Ernald, your AdZU family stands firmly with you as we enter another year of this journey. We are proud to walk alongside you in our shared mission: providing transformative education, fostering holistic growth for our youth, and serving the people of Zamboanga and beyond with unwavering "Magis."

On your natal day, may the Lord continue to fill your cup with strength, joy, and the wisdom to lead us toward even brighter horizons.

Feliz cumpleaños, Fr Ernald!

06/03/2026

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.

04/03/2026

𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐋 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

The AZUL Hub was invited to participate in the 2026 Zamboanga Peninsula Industry Cluster Assessment and Planning organized by DTI IX last March 3, 2026, where the team presented the upcoming AZUL Hub Reverse Pitching initiative to representatives from the Rubber and Coconut industries, 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 is a series of meetings that reviews the accomplishments of each industry and facilitates planning sessions to identify constraints and opportunities within the value chain. The activity will culminate in the development of action plans aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the region’s key sectors. A total of ten (10) industries are scheduled to undergo this assessment and planning process, with the first sessions already conducted for the Rubber and Coconut industries.

During the session, AZUL Hub, through Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, introduced the Reverse Pitching initiative—an approach where industries present their real challenges, and innovators, startups, and students work together to develop solutions that respond to these needs. Participating industries were also provided with a Challenge Statement Form to identify and submit key issues within their sectors.

Heads up to the region’s industries! The upcoming AZUL Hub Reverse Pitching will serve as a platform to connect industries with innovators, startups, and students who are ready to co-create solutions that drive sustainable growth and economic development in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Follow our page for more updates and opportunities to collaborate with innovators and startups.

27/02/2026

🚨 EXTENDED DEADLINE ALERT! 🚨

The application deadline for the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 has been extended until March 6, 2026!

Be part of a dynamic day of pitching, networking, and one-on-one business matching with innovative startups, investors, and industry leaders from Japan and across ASEAN.

📍 Bangkok, Thailand
🗓 June 25, 2026 (Tentative)

Open to startups in:
Fintech | E-Commerce | Food Tech | Health Tech & Aging Society | ESG Solutions | Factory Automation | AI Solutions | IP & Contents | Deep Tech

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your innovation, build strategic partnerships, and unlock cross-border opportunities.

EXTENDED DEADLINE ALERT!

The application deadline for the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 has been extended until March 6, 2026.

Join innovative startups, investors, and business leaders from Japan and across ASEAN for a full day of high-impact pitching, networking, and one-on-one business matching in Bangkok, Thailand on June 25, 2026 (Tentative).

Open to startups in:
Fintech | E-Commerce | Food Tech | Health Tech & Aging Society | ESG Solutions | Factory Automation | AI Solutions | IP & Contents | Deep Tech

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation, connect with potential partners, and explore cross-border business opportunities.

New Deadline: March 6, 2026
Apply here: https://bit.ly/DTIJapanASEANStartupBMF2026

10/02/2026

📢 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 | 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧-𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Startups ready to scale and explore international opportunities are encouraged to apply for the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026. This platform connects innovative startups with investors and business partners across Japan and ASEAN, providing opportunities for pitching, business matching, and cross-border collaboration.

Industries include Fintech, E-Commerce, Food Tech, Health Tech and Aging Society, ESG Solutions, Factory Automation, AI Solutions, IP and Contents, and Deep Tech.

📅 Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://bit.ly/DTIJapanASEANStartupBMF2026

AZUL Hub encourages its incubatees and partner startups to consider this opportunity to showcase Philippine innovation and build global partnerships.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026

Ready to take your startup to the international stage? The Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair is back! This annual platform connects innovative startups with investors and business partners from Japan and ASEAN. Selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions, engage in curated business matching, and explore cross-border collaboration opportunities.

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
Date: 25 June 2026 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (tentative)

Target Startup Industries:
Fintech
E-Commerce
Food Tech
Health Tech and Aging Society
ESG Solutions
Factory Automation
AI Solutions
IP and Contents
Deep Tech

This is a unique opportunity to showcase Philippine innovation on the international stage and build meaningful partnerships within the Japan-ASEAN startup ecosystem.

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026 Apply here: https://bit.ly/DTIJapanASEANStartupBMF2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and grow beyond borders. Apply now and get a chance to be part of the JAPAN-ASEAN Innovation Ecosystem.

06/02/2026

Are you working on projects related to Environment, Tourism, Connectivity, or Agriculture & Fisheries in the BIMP-EAGA region? This may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

The BIMP–EAGA–ROK Cooperation Fund (BKCF) – 6th Call for Proposals is now open, offering grant funding of up to USD 500,000 per project to support impactful and innovative initiatives in the region.

Explore the opportunity and take the next step in turning your ideas into meaningful, community-driven solutions.

Application period: 26 January – 27 March 2026

Submit your proposal now: https://bit.ly/4bjTqQe

📢 The BIMP–EAGA–ROK Cooperation Fund (BKCF) – 6th Call for Proposals is now open!

We’re seeking innovative project proposals from eligible institutions to drive sustainable development across the BIMP–EAGA region.

📅 Application period:
26 January – 27 March 2026

👉 Ready to turn your green ideas into real growth? Submit your proposal now: https://bit.ly/4bjTqQe

05/02/2026

Alamin ang bawat hakbang ng competition process para maihanda nang maayos ang inyong aplikasyon.

📅 Applications open until March 15, 2026
🔗 Learn more: https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🏆

Your journey in the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards is more than just a contest, it’s a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based process designed to champion the best of Filipino brilliance.

Bago ang national stage, sinisiguro naming bawat application ay dadaan sa masusing pagsisiyasat ng ating mga experts. We value the hard work you’ve put into your projects, and we are committed to a fair and transformative journey for every participant.

Alamin ang bawat hakbang ng competition process para maihanda nang maayos ang inyong aplikasyon.

02/02/2026

The AZUL Hub of Ateneo de Zamboanga University extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Rosemarie S. Salazar on her appointment as Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Zamboanga Peninsula.

We look forward to her continued support and guidance in advancing the initiatives of AZUL Hub and the HERMOSA Consortium, as we work together to strengthen startup development, innovation, technology, and inclusive growth in the region.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Rosemarie S. Salazar on her appointment as Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Zamboanga Peninsula.

Your leadership and dedication to advancing science, technology, and innovation inspire us. We look forward to your guidance in strengthening programs and initiatives that will promote inclusive and sustainable development across the region.

Wishing you continued success and excellence in this new role.

DOST Philippines
DOST - Regional Operations
Ousec RO