UP launches pre-incubation program for IT entrepreneurs

CEBU, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced its Pre-Incubation Program, to develop more IT entrepreneurs in Cebu.

The program will initially accept the first five qualified applicants for the incubation program after undergoing the appropriate screening and interview by its Selection Committee.

In a statement, the Cebu Business Incubator for I.T. (CebuinIT) announced that the five qualified start-ups will be provided with cubicle space for the first six months and basic services that include, trainings, one-on-one mentoring and consultation, and other services related to the topic of starting an IT based business.

The University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) and the DOST have established a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) facility at the UP-Cebu Campus years back.

This facility provides both office space and services, where technology based start-ups can hone their talents and ultimately go into the commercial space.

In an earlier interview, TBI Incubator manager Pauline Wade said that the establishment of the facility is one of the primary tools to arrest brain-drain, and promote "brain-gain" encouraging brilliant developers to start their own, and make their name in the world's technology trade, rather than being employees of technology giant companies.

According to Wade, the incubator concept, just like what other countries are doing, is expected to lure more Filipinos to "come home again" and take advantage of their skills and become successful entrepreneurs.

UPVCC is one of the two universities in Cebu, which was given the recognition by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) as "Center for Excellence" in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

UPVCC Dean Enrique Avila said that UPVCC is going to make IT as the anchor-course of the college.

The TBI on the other hand, will provide a venue for students to pursue their innovations and software creations in order to be recognized in the market.

One of the concerns aired by the local techno-preneurs here, through the Cebu Software Development Association of Cebu (CebuSoft) is the continued piracy of brilliant developers by the technology giants, thus the local software development industry has remained struggling.

However, Wade said the TBI is going to turn the table around, inviting developers to start their own business, with the help of the incubation facility.

TBI will involve in value creation in new and emerging technologies, seek new or unique solutions to existing problems, and will utilize UP human resources and facilities to pursue its activities.

Cebu is the home of brilliant technology innovators and software developers, the reason why big names in the technology industry is locating their multi-million-dollar research and development facilities here. (FREEMAN)