ILOILO CITY — Ventures on renewable energy are being encouraged in Western Visayas region, especially among university-based technology business incubators (TBIs).
The Department of Science and Technology-6 (DOST-6), the UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium, represented by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), and non-profit New Energy Nexus (NEX)-Philippines have partnered for the energy incubation training of university-based TBIs.

ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel Salistre Jr., DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga, and NEX-Philippines Partnership Manager Jacob Taguinod signed an agreement to explore energy startups among university-based technology business incubators (TBIs) in Western Visayas. (Tara Yap)
“It is very good for New Energy Nexus to awaken us with the realization that there is a big opportunity in (renewable) energy startups,” said DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga.
He said renewable energy ventures can address growing power supply as practically all industries, including the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rely on electricity to create products and services.
But in an earlier assessment, NEX-Philippines found out an apparent lack of energy-focused startups among university-based TBIs.
NEX-Philippines Partnership Manager Jacob Taguinod said the April 23 to 25 training in Iloilo City was meant to encourage university-based TBIs to consider renewable energy as part of its portfolio.
NEX-Philippines wants university-based TBIs to fully recognize the potential of energy startups, provide comprehensive support with knowledge and tools, demystify energy entrepreneurs, and capacity building.
NEX-Philippines Program Associate Dayther Manubag said local energy startups can help address power needs to support the growth and development of Western Visayas, particularly the regional capital of Iloilo City.
As far as the type of renewable energy startups, Manubag said that solar energy would be the most realistic for university-based TBIs to implement.
The UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium consists of TBIs under Central Philippine University (CPU), Guimaras State University (GSU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Capiz State University (CAPSU), University of Antique (UA), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the University of the Philippines Visayas (UP)-Visayas, the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV), and ISAT U.