20/09/2026
Nine ideas. Twenty-two young innovators. One big step toward turning concepts into viable products for potential incubation.
The recently concluded Romblon iHub RISE Program (Refining Ideas for Science Excellence) reached its exciting culmination today through an Idea Pitching Activity, where nine (9) brilliant ideas developed by young innovators were presented before a panel of evaluators composed of the Romblon iHub SAVANTS including Mr. Thomas Jerome Ortiz, Engr. John Ruzzel Galoso, and Ms. Wenna Mae Foja.
But this was more than just a pitch.
It was a chance for the participants to put their ideas to the testโto explain the problem they want to solve, defend their proposed solutions, respond to expert questions, and receive valuable insights that could make their ideas more relevant, feasible, and impactful.
๐ก FROM PAPER TO POSSIBILITIES
Adding another important dimension to the pitching activity, the Romblon State University Technology Business Incubator (RSU TBI) Manager, Mr. JRden Fadallan introduced the participants to pathways for incubation.
The nine ideas were also announced for potential incubation, subject to the proponents' compliance with the recommendations of the panel and the integration of the comments and insights gained throughout the RISE Program.
This gives the young innovators something exciting to look forward to: their ideas do not have to end with the pitch. With further refinement and development, they may have a pathway toward prototyping, incubation, and eventually, a potential startup journey.
๐ฑ THE ROMBLON IHUB RISE JOURNEY
The ideas presented during the pitch did not happen overnight.
The RISE journey began on September 8, 2026, at Looc National High School, where the program was kicked off with the winners of the 2026 DepEd RACE from participating schools.
Through the succeeding one-on-one mentorship sessions with Dr. Bilshan F. Servaรฑez, the participants examine their ideas more closely, identify gaps, improve their proposed solutions, and prepare their pitches.
From the initial concepts they brought into the program, the young innovators were challenged to think deeper, refine further, and dream bigger.
And finally, they stood before the Romblon iHub SAVANTS to pitch their ideas.
๐ฅ MORE THAN A PITCH
Romblon iHub RISE program was designed to help young people move beyond simply having an idea.
Through the program, participants gained greater confidence in presenting and defending their ideas, practical experience in innovation and problem-solving, expert feedback to strengthen their concepts, exposure to mentors and innovation practitioners, valuable insights into developing potentially viable innovations, and an initial pathway toward technology incubation and entrepreneurship. The program gave them the opportunity to experience what it takes to develop an idea, communicate its value, and explore pathways for bringing it closer to reality.
Most importantly, RISE demonstrated that young Romblomanons have ideas with potentialโand with the right support, those ideas can go much further.
๐ค RISE IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
The success of the program would not have been possible without the support and participation of our partner schools:
๐ซ Looc National High School
๐ซ Odiongan National High School
๐ซ Tan-agan National High
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Department of Education-Romblon for its strong collaboration and support, particularly through its Education Program Supervisor and the coaches of the students, whose active engagement and dedication helped connect the program with young innovators and strengthen the partnership between education and science, technology, and innovation. Their support helped create a space where young people could dream, experiment, receive feedback, and take their first steps toward innovation and entrepreneurship.
The RISE Program reflects DOST's commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation as tools for national and community development.
By investing in the ideas and capabilities of the youth, DOST helps cultivate a generation that does not simply identify problemsโbut is empowered to design solutions, create opportunities, and contribute to a more innovative and sustainable community.
Do you also have brilliant ideas with you? Bring them to Romblon iHub, maybe this is where your startup journey begins!
