ACEND - Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development

ANUNCIO ATENISTA | Suspension of In-Person Classes and University Work Arrangements

Following the announcement of the City Government of Zamboanga suspending classes at all levels, both public and private, today, Friday, July 10, 2026, due to the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by the effects of Typhoon Inday (Bavi), the University shall observe the following:

1. Classes

All in-person classes remain suspended today.
Students are advised not to report to campus.
Academic units are encouraged, where feasible, to implement appropriate alternative or asynchronous learning activities in accordance with their learning continuity plans, while exercising flexibility for students and faculty affected by weather-related difficulties.

2. University Work Arrangements

Essential personnel, particularly Security and Physical Plant/Maintenance, shall continue to report for duty to ensure campus safety and essential operations.
All other personnel are directed to work from home and remain available during regular working hours, unless otherwise directed by their immediate supervisors.
As a general rule, offices shall remain closed to in-person transactions. Units with urgent concerns should continue assisting students and clients through available online or remote channels, such as official AdZU email or other reliable means, whenever possible.
Offices or units that need to temporarily open for urgent in-person work may do so only when safe, upon coordination with the immediate supervisor and clearance from the Office of the Vice President for Administration.
Units handling enrollment and other time-sensitive transactions are encouraged to communicate promptly any adjustments to schedules and services.
Personnel who may need temporary shelter on campus due to weather conditions may coordinate through their immediate supervisors with the Office of the Vice President for Administration.

3. Safety

Everyone is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and continue monitoring official advisories from PAGASA, the City Government of Zamboanga, and the University.

As always, the safety of our students, personnel, and their families remains our first priority. Even amid these disruptions, let us continue to care for one another with prudence, flexibility, and compassion, while keeping in our prayers those in our community and across the country who continue to be affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Inday.

Thank you, and stay safe.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟑 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀

AZUL Hub successfully conducted the HERMOSA Startup Pre-Acceleration Orientation on July 8, 2026, bringing together Cohort 3 startups from ZAMBASULTA as they officially begin their pre-acceleration journey.

During the orientation, participants were introduced to the HERMOSA Consortium, its partner institutions, and the opportunities available through the Pre-Acceleration Program, including mentorship, capacity-building, market access, intellectual property support, and connections to the regional innovation ecosystem. The session also covered the program roadmap, onboarding requirements, and key upcoming activities, including the Reverse Pitching event, where startups will have the opportunity to engage with industry partners and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

The orientation marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to strengthen startup capabilities, foster innovation, and support the growth of technology-based ventures across ZAMBASULTA.

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦!

The AZUL Hub Technology Business Incubator proudly welcomes the startups from 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀 joining the 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦!

Bringing together innovators from across the region, the program will provide participants with mentorship, capacity-building opportunities, business development support, market validation guidance, and access to the HERMOSA Consortium's growing network of industry, government, academic, and ecosystem partners.

This marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we work together to transform innovative ideas into sustainable and impactful ventures that contribute to regional development and economic growth.

Stay tuned as we introduce each of our participating startups and share their inspiring stories throughout the program.

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮'𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

The AZUL Hub Technology Business Incubator, together with DTI Region IX led by Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, met with industry leaders and stakeholders in Sulu on July 2, 2026 to discuss the growing opportunities for technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship in the province.

During the session, Mario Rodriguez from AZUL Hub introduced the HERMOSA Consortium, highlighting its initiatives, startup support programs, and the various opportunities available through its Pre-Acceleration Program, Reverse Pitching, mentorship, capacity-building, investor engagement, and other ecosystem development initiatives. He also emphasized the promising technology-based startups from Sulu that have already applied to the program and underscored the vital role of startups in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation, particularly in the provinces.

The discussion was met with encouraging responses from the participating industries, with several organizations expressing their interest in participating in the upcoming Reverse Pitching activities and exploring opportunities to engage in the Pre-Acceleration Program. Their support marks an important step toward building stronger industry-startup collaboration and a more vibrant innovation ecosystem in Sulu.

Together, we continue connecting innovators, industry, and government to create more opportunities for startups across Sulu and the BARMM.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬!

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University Technology Business Incubator (AZUL Hub), together with DTI Region IX, conducted a coordination meeting with 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮 on July 2, 2026. Representing MSU-Sulu Chancellor Prof. Nagder J. Abdurahman, the meeting was attended by Prof. Rafael A. Regellana, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Chancellor; Prof. AbdelAjim M. Salasain, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension and Innovation; Prof. Datu Al-Mujiv Kiram, Dean of the College of Computing Studies; and Prof. Kaiser Isham S. Savellon, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy.

During the meeting, Mario Rodriguez presented the HERMOSA Consortium, highlighting its programs, initiatives, and partnership opportunities for higher education institutions. The meeting also discussed training MSU-Sulu faculty members to become startup mentors under the HERMOSA Consortium.

A key highlight of the discussion was the proposed establishment of Mindanao State University – Sulu as a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) to serve as a hub for nurturing startups, supporting technology commercialization, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Sulu. Through this partnership, AZUL Hub will provide capacity-building and technical assistance to equip the University with the knowledge and systems needed to operate a sustainable Technology Business Incubator. The meeting also explored the possible support of DTI Region IX in establishing a Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) to enhance innovation, prototyping, and product development.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the HERMOSA Consortium and Mindanao State University – Sulu to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem through institutional collaboration, startup mentorship, technology commercialization, and the development of sustainable innovation support systems.

Together, we continue creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship across Sulu and the BARMM.

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮'𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 🚀

As part of the HERMOSA Consortium's visit to Sulu, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Technology Business Incubator (AZUL Hub) had the opportunity to meet with local startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities under the Pre-Acceleration Program and explore how the Consortium can support the growth of startups in the province.

The session provided an opportunity to introduce the programs and support mechanisms available through the HERMOSA Consortium while learning more about the participants' startup ideas, current challenges, and development needs. The discussion also highlighted the importance of mentorship, capacity-building, and collaboration in strengthening Sulu's growing innovation ecosystem.

We thank everyone who joined the discussion and look forward to supporting more innovators and entrepreneurs as we continue expanding opportunities for startups across Sulu and the BARMM.

-Acceleration

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮!

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University Technology Business Incubator (AZUL Hub), together with Engr. Al-zamir I. Lipae, Regional Director of DTI Region IX, conducted a coordination meeting with 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐒𝐒𝐔) on July 1, 2026. Representing Sulu State University President Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, Dr. Ayesha Rema A. Tan, Vice President for Research, Extension, Production and Innovation, led the meeting alongside the University's deans and academic leaders.

During the meeting, Mario Rodriguez of AZUL Hub presented the HERMOSA Consortium, highlighting its vision, objectives, flagship programs, and partnership opportunities to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem across the Zamboanga Peninsula and Western BARMM.

One of the key discussions focused on a potential partnership in capacity building, where faculty members of Sulu State University will become part of the HERMOSA Consortium's pool of mentors. Through specialized training and mentorship development activities, these faculty members will be equipped to mentor and support startups from SSU and across the Province of Sulu, helping cultivate a sustainable and locally driven innovation ecosystem.

The meeting also discussed the startups from Sulu that have applied to the AZUL Hub Pre-Acceleration Program, highlighting E-Tulak as one of the promising startup initiatives currently undergoing support and development.

In addition, Engr. Al-zamir I. Lipae discussed the HERMOSA Consortium's Halal initiatives, emphasizing opportunities to strengthen Halal innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry development in Sulu. The discussion highlighted the importance of leveraging the province's strengths in the Halal sector to create globally competitive startups and promote inclusive economic growth.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the HERMOSA Consortium and Sulu State University to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem through research commercialization, startup mentorship, capacity building, strategic partnerships, and the development of innovation-driven entrepreneurs across Sulu and the BARMM.

Together, we continue creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and inclusive regional development.

Day 3 | Final Day of ACEND at AdZU College ORSEM 2026

As we conclude our participation in AdZU College ORSEM 2026, ACEND extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited our booth and discovered the opportunities offered by the DOST–AdZU AZUL Hub and the AdZU Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab).

During the ACEND presentation, Engr. Gli Christian Egos, Fab Lab Manager, represented Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, Director of ACEND, in sharing the Center’s vision with an inspiring message:

“ACEND exists for one reason: so that the next big thing to come out of Zamboanga City—out of this region—comes out of this university. Out of someone in this crowd.”

He also reminded students that innovation is not just something to learn in the classroom it is something to create, build, and launch. Through the DOST–AdZU AZUL Hub and the AdZU Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab), ACEND is committed to empowering students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to transform ideas into solutions that create meaningful impact.

Thank you for making these three days of meaningful conversations, new connections, and shared innovation truly memorable. We look forward to seeing you turn your ideas into reality and make a difference in your communities and beyond.

See you soon, future innovators and entrepreneurs!

Day 2 | ACEND at AdZU College ORSEM 2026

Day 2 of AdZU College ORSEM 2026 continues with meaningful conversations, new connections, and exciting opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development (ACEND) remains committed to engaging with the Ateneo community by showcasing the programs and services of the DOST–AdZU AZUL Hub and the AdZU Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab). Through these initiatives, we aim to empower students to transform their ideas into innovative solutions with real-world impact.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and learned more about how ACEND supports creativity, collaboration, and innovation. We look forward to meeting more future innovators and entrepreneurs throughout ORSEM 2026!

Day 1 | ACEND at AdZU College ORSEM 2026

The Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development (ACEND) is proud to participate in AdZU College ORSEM 2026 as we continue to strengthen our engagement with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University community.

Guided by our vision of building a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, ACEND is committed to fostering creative collaboration, translating ideas into impactful solutions, and contributing to sustainable regional development and beyond.

Through this event, we are excited to connect with incoming students and introduce the opportunities available through our two innovation-driven offices:
🔵DOST–AdZU AZUL Hub – empowering innovation, technology transfer, and startup development.
🔵AdZU Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) – providing access to digital fabrication technologies that transform ideas into functional prototypes.

We look forward to inspiring the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers as they begin their Ateneo journey.