THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) said Friday it has allotted PHP120 million to support student innovators in transforming research outputs into startup enterprises.

About 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide were selected to participate in the two-year Student Technology Business Incubation Program for the Agri-Aqua Sector that supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand opportunities for Filipinos to establish and grow businesses, particularly by empowering young and women entrepreneurs.

Each participating SUC will receive PHP5 million, with the commission allocating PHP60 million annually, or a total of PHP120 million, through the Higher Education Development Fund.

The participating SUCs have existing Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Network of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the program aims to help student innovations move beyond academic requirements and become commercially viable ventures.

“Every year, our students and faculty produce promising research and technologies. However, many remain as theses, capstone projects, or course requirements because they lack opportunities for further development into products, services, or startup ventures that can benefit our communities and industries,” Agrupis said.

Under the program, each participating SUC will mentor 10 student innovators by providing capacity-building activities, access to facilities, technical and financial assistance, and industry linkages to help validate technologies and connect with potential partners and investors.

The initiative targets the establishment of at least 200 new local enterprises, with participating student startups expected to complete business registration by the end of the two-year implementation period.

“This is an investment in our institutions, but more importantly, it is an investment in the potential of Filipino students to become innovators and entrepreneurs,” Agrupis added.

The 12 participating SUCs in Luzon include Benguet State University, Ifugao State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Isabela State University, Central Luzon State University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Cavite State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Western Philippines University, and Bicol University.

In Visayas, there are five participating SUCs including Capiz State University, University of the Philippines Visayas, Bohol Island State University, Cebu Technological University, and Visayas State University.

The seven participating SUCs in Mindanao are the Western Mindanao State University, Central Mindanao University, Mindanao State University–Naawan, University of Southern Mindanao, Sultan Kudarat State University, University of Southeastern Philippines, and Caraga State University. (PNA)