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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) strengthened its commitment to championing innovation and entrepreneurship as the Nexus Innovations Lab formally welcomed its newest cohort of student incubatees during the Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing held on November 25, 2025 at the Nexus Atrium. The event brought together DLSL administrators, faculty advisors, mentors, student innovators, and their families in a gathering that celebrated creativity, collaboration, and the growing culture of innovation within the institution.
In her welcome remarks, DLSL Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Internationalization Dr. Sheila Maloles emphasized that the ceremony represents more than just a formal agreement — it marks a collective investment in student-led innovation. She shared the remarkable growth of the incubator program which expanded from eight startups last year to fifteen incubatees this cycle, noting, “This ceremony is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of building a future where ideas are nurtured and transformed into impactful ventures.” Dr. Maloles also reaffirmed DLSL’s commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem through modernized facilities, enhanced mentorship programs, and access to resources that will empower young innovators. She told the student teams, “You are the change-makers of tomorrow,” encouraging them to stay committed throughout their incubation journey. Providing an overview of the program, Enterprise Development Hub and Fabrication Lab Officer Engr. Aisa Mijeno-Labastilla highlighted that the MOA signing signals the beginning of a shared pursuit of innovation and sustainable development. She underscored the role of Nexus Innovations Lab in nurturing ideas, equipping students with essential tools, and guiding them in developing their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
Engr. Mijeno-Labastilla also announced the program’s culminating activity — Demo Day — scheduled for March of 2026. The event will showcase the students’ innovations to venture capitalists, angel investors, and government agencies capable of supporting and scaling their startups. She added, “We hope that through this partnership, you will be able to turn your ideas into viable enterprises.” This year’s incubatees represent a diverse portfolio of technology-driven and socially responsive innovations grouped under fifteen startup teams including ALPAS, Harbor, AlgiTex, MediSync, CoNote, UBEEM, Wastore, Aquavolt, DrowsiGuard, Fit Fighter, ORCAS, PoCoCh, BrailleSense, B-Go, and iDAAN. Guiding the incubatees are esteemed mentors from both industry and academe including Engr. Earl Angelo Borlasa (DrowsiGuard, Fit Fighter, Harbor), Engr. William Kyle Deveza (PoCoCh, ALPAS, Wastore), Br. Cyrill Escolano FSC (ORCAS, BrailleSense, Aquavolt), Lea Abarentos (B-Go, MediSync, iDAAN), and Engr. Ovette Marco Magsombol (UBEEM, CoNote, AlgiTex). As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was one of optimism and shared purpose.
With the unified efforts of students, mentors, administrators, and the Nexus team, De La Salle Lipa continues to pave the way for an innovation-driven future, one that empowers Lasallians to design solutions, lead change, and build ventures that make a meaningful impact in the community and beyond.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
