Louisian student teams achieved remarkable success in the Philippine Startup Challenge 9 – Regional Pitching Competition hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 2. Held on October 18, 2024, at Casa Angela, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, these Louisians bagged champion, first-runner-up, third-runner-up, and finalist positions.
Team OneTake, composed of Jessie James U. Sarol, Johna Mae B. Baligod, and Matt Genesis E. Fajardo, BSCS-4 students under the School of Architecture, Computing, and Engineering (SACE), emerged as champions. In addition to winning the overall competition, they received the Best Pitch Presenter and Best Video Pitch awards. The team was coached by Sander T. Sedano, MIT, a SACE faculty.
Meanwhile, Team Maris earned the first-runner-up spot, comprising Jhadz C. Ignacio, Lawrence Paul M. Bacud, and Paul Angelo R. Bayle. Like Team OneTake, its members are fourth-year BSCS students from the SACE department, who Mr. Sedano also mentored and coached.
Team GirlsCode, consisting of Regine B. Sorita, Betina Soleil B. Telan, and Christine Dane O. Gestiada, secured third-runner up. These third-year BSCS students were coached and mentored by Mr. Sedano as well.
Joining the three teams in the Finals is Team Arkila, made up of Guia Stella D. Paningbatan, Shemarie C. Escalante, and Ivee Lyee Glyriche U. Dumayag. Paningbatan and Escalante are fourth-year BS Information Technology students of the SACE department, while Dumayag is a second-year BS Accountancy student of the School of Accountancy, Business, and Hospitality (SABH). Aristotle L. Dumayag, MIT, a SACE faculty, mentored and coached them.
Sixteen student teams from the University of Saint Louis, Cagayan State University, Saint Mary’s University, International School of Asia and the Pacific, and the University of La Sallete joined the competition.
The event was organized by the DICT Region 2 with the guidance of Engr. Pinky T. Jimenez, Regional Director. The DICT continues to support a culture of creativity, cooperation, and inclusivity among young Filipino companies, keeping with the industry’s objective of a thriving and globally competitive startup ecosystem. This project intends to showcase Filipino startup prowess on a national level.
The outstanding achievements of these Louisians in the Philippine Startup Challenge 9 reflect the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation. Their success elevates the institution’s reputation and motivates fellow students and faculty to continue fostering the foundations of creativity and collaboration.
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