STTP Demo Day: Meet the Finalists for Region 7

28 AUGUST 2025 – After six months of intensive knowledge-building bootcamps and personalized online mentoring sessions, the 2025 Scholars Technopreneurship Training Program (STTP) journeys of 100 outstanding DOST Scholars from Region VII will culminate in dynamic on-stage pitching and poster presentations — showcasing their potential to become the next wave of Filipino technopreneurs and STEM experts who create opportunities for others in the field.

On 29 August 2025, at Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City, the finalists will take the spotlight as they pitch their innovative solutions before the panel of judges. Their hard work, creativity, and perseverance have led them to this moment, giving them the opportunity to advance their ventures through collaboration.

Get to know the STTP finalist teams below:

FINALISTS	THEME
Konektura	An AI-powered platform that connects clients with licensed architects, making professional design services accessible and trusted.
Swine Sight	An AI-powered surveillance system that tracks swine health, detects early signs of African Swine Fever, and instantly alerts users instantly, enabling swift action to fight outbreaks before they spread far.
Bluehol	A coin operated, solar powered machine that filters and dispenses water sourced from traditional deep wells.
BaiScience	A science learning application supporting localization and multimodal immersive approaches to hone science literacy and address the learning needs of Filipinos.
inAdlaw	A modular, plug-and-play, smart solar kit designed to empower Filipino families to adopt solar energy gradually — one household need at a time.
SecuRide	An AI-powered driving companion that helps drivers follow traffic rules, interpret road signs, and adopt best driving practices in real time.
PestEcho	A pest control and detection device that uses ultrasonic transducers to emit high-frequency sound, disrupting brown planthoppers’ behavior by inhibiting their growth, inducing passivity, and deterring mating.
Wastelinks	A private waste management startup focusing on transforming food waste into sustainable agricultural inputs through the innovative use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology.
FeetCheck+	A platform uses AI and technology to match people with the right shoe fit, ensuring comfort and supporting long-term foot health.
Sipnayan	An interactive math learning platform that helps students improve math proficiency through engaging lessons and real-time feedback.
DocU	All-in-one mobile companion for streamlined medication management, optimizing health tracking, and upgrading.
SeaCure	An AI-powered surface aquatic drone for coastal cleanup and monitoring.
MammoScan	AI-driven thermography for early breast cancer detection.
KalingaLab	A maternal health app delivering evidence-based mental health support for expecting and new mothers through accessible, clinically informed tools and resources.

 

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), together with Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc., the training provider for the STTP in Region VII, is proud to introduce the panel of judges for the Demo Day. Drawing from their expertise, each distinguished judge will carefully assess the startup ideas of fourteen participating teams and present accolades recognizing their passion, feasibility, business viability, problem–solution fit, pre-prototype creation, and impact on society. There are multiple awards up for grabs, with the most highly anticipated being the Grand Prize!

Get to know the remarkable judges who will be joining this momentous event:

 

LOCAL JUDGES
DR. YEVGENY ASTER DULLA Managing Director Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.	Dr. Dulla was born and raised in Iloilo City, Philippines. He graduated with a degree in BS Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Visayas, after which he worked as an instructor at the University of the Philippines – Manila. He came to Japan in 2013 to pursue graduate studies where he acquired his Masters in Health Life Sciences and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2020, he joined Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. and is currently under the Human Development Division, and is part of the Kansai/Osaka office, as well as the Group Creation Division. He is also a Balik Scientist Awardee for 2020~2021, and is a co-founder and the Managing Director for Leave a Nest’s Philippine office, their newest subsidiary.
DR. TRISTAN L. ABANDO Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Regional Director Department of Science and Technology Region 7	Dr. Tristan L. Abando is the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Regional Director and concurrently the Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VII in Cebu City, Philippines. He holds a PhD in Development Studies from UP Los Baños and a Master’s in Technology Management from UP Diliman. A licensed chemical engineer, he graduated magna cum laude from Cebu Institute of Technology-University. Dr. Abando has led key initiatives in technology transfer, enterprise innovation support, and food safety in Central Visayas, including the formation of regional and provincial food safety teams. As Chief Science Research Specialist, he oversaw DOST-7’s programs on research and development, technology adoption, and innovation promotion. His research interests include innovation transfer in small island communities, food systems management, drying technology innovations, and food safety systems. With over 20 years in public service, he continues to advance inclusive and sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation.
ATTY. AMY IRENE OFRIN Partner The Law Office of Flores and Ofrin	Atty. Amy Irene Ofrin was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2006. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, cum laude, in 1999 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law in 2004, both from the University of the Philippines. Atty. Ofrin is a corporate law practitioner. Her expertise lies in business structuring and registration, project finance, property development, land titling and conversion, taxation and human resources management. She has extensive experience in servicing corporate clients particularly with regard to corporate housekeeping, business and trademark registrations, contract drafting and review, tax audits, business reorganizations, and employee relations. She deals, in behalf of clients, with most government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, Department of Agrarian Reform, Register of Deeds, Intellectual Property Office, Department of Labor and Employment, and local government units.
MR. RYAN YU Chief Operating Officer Mata Technologies Inc.	Ryan Tan Yu is a serial Cebuano entrepreneur with a strong focus on art and technology, bridging local talent and global opportunities, and supporting original and unique business ideas. Ryan co-founded and operates domestic and international ventures in art and technology, such as Mata Technologies, Ehrlich IT Services, and Mata Creative Services. His 16 years of business experience paint a picture of holistic understanding of technopreneurship. Ryan also engages in public endeavors through his chairperson and evaluator roles at the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), and for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). He also conducts workshops and takes speaking engagements on topics relevant to his experience and expertise.

 

GLOBAL JUDGES
MR. YUKIO TOYOSHIMA Special Adviser PwC Japan	Mr. Toyoshima joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1980. He was in charge of global strategic alliances such as technical collaborations/ assistance, licenses, joint ventures, capital investments, M&A, etc. Furthermore, he set up common business strategies for Hitachi’s group of companies overseas. Through his career in Hitachi, he was stationed in Thailand and Singapore. From 2019 to 2020, as a JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) volunteer, he taught marketing and strategy at the Republican Graduate School of Business and Management in Uzbekistan. Thereafter, he joined JICA Headquarters being responsible for human resources education. He is currently affiliated with PwC Japan LLC as a Special Advisor.
MR. SHIMON GOTO Co-Founder & COO eMobi Co., Ltd.	Shimon Goto is the Co-Founder, COO, and CPO of eMoBi Inc., a Japanese mobility startup developing electric three-wheeled vehicles for tourists and local communities. He leads product strategy, operations, and branding, with services already active in Kamakura, Okinawa, and other regions. With nearly 300 vehicles deployed, he focuses on creating a scalable, sustainable mobility ecosystem. Goto aims to expand eMoBi internationally, especially in Southeast Asia, while positioning it as a lifestyle-driven mobility brand.
MR. SHIGETO MIZUMOTO Vice President Nikola Power Consultancy, Inc.	Shigeto Mizumoto is a climate tech leader with over a decade of experience in energy, climate change, and sustainable development. He began his career at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in global nuclear plant sales before moving to international climate consultancy, where he managed projects across Southeast Asia and Africa. He later joined Challenergy and served as a board member at its Philippine subsidiary, advancing renewable innovation with Japanese technology. Today, he runs his own consulting firm in the Philippines, advising on climate tech and renewable energy projects between Japan and the Philippines, and supports multiple Japanese companies in developing new ventures.
MS. MIKI OMORI Chief Executive Officer Nocnum, Inc.	Omori Miki is the co-founder and CEO of Nocnum Inc., specializing in decentralized wastewater treatment through IoT sensors and AI-based monitoring. With an academic background in Asian and African area studies at Kyoto University and research experience in Islamic culture and development, I combine technical innovation with socio-cultural insight. Our team won the Japan Business Model Competition in 2022 and represented Japan at the Asia Business Model Competition in Singapore. Today, Nocnum advances resource recovery and sustainable water solutions for communities worldwide. I bring expertise in water technology, global development, and cross-cultural perspectives to evaluating innovative business models.

 

A day filled with inspiration awaits in the celebration and recognition of the remarkable journeys of passionate young technopreneurs. Get ready to witness breakthroughs envisioned to create a positive impact on society! See what's in store for Demo Day:

 

TIME	ACTIVITY
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM	Opening Ceremony
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM	WELCOMING REMARKS Dr. Tristan L. Abando Officer-in-Charge Regional Director, DOST-7
	KEYNOTE SPEECH Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. Secretary, Department of Science & Technology
	INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services, DOST
	INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang Undersecretary for Regional Operations, DOST
	INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena Director, DOST-TAPI
	INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE Dr. Josette T. Biyo HRD Consultant, DOST-SEI
11:45 AM – 12:50 PM	DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio Director IV, DOST-SEI
11:45 AM – 12:50 PM	LUNCH BREAK
12:50 PM – 1:00 PM	Introduction of Awards & Judges Sharing of Pitching Mechanics
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	Pitching Round 1
2:00 PM – 2:10 PM	Short Break
2:10 PM – 3:10 PM	Pitching Round 2
3:10 PM – 3:20 PM	Short Break
3:20 PM – 4:10 PM	Pitching Round 3
4:10 PM – 4:50 PM	Exclusive Poster Judge Session
4:50 PM – 5:15 PM	Open Poster Session
5:15 PM – 5:25 PM	STTP Region 7 Evaluation
5:25 PM – 6:05 PM	Awarding Ceremony
6:05 PM – 6:15 PM	CLOSING REMARKS Mr. Peter Gerry P. Gavina Chief Science Research Specialist, DOST-SEI
6:15 PM – 6:35 PM	Awarding of Certificates and Photo Opportunity
6:35 PM – 8:00 PM	Dinner Time

 

For any questions or concerns, you may reach out to Mr. Bryan Foronda at [email protected] or Ms. Hannah Mae Balisi at [email protected].