MANILA, PHILIPPINES –The Philippine S&T Development Foundation (PhilDev Foundation), a pioneer in fostering a culture of technopreneurship in the country, is proud to announce the selection of five (5) esteemed universities within the National Capital Region (NCR) to be part of the distinguished Technopreneurship Center Empowerment for Universities in the Philippines (TechUP) Cohort. The initiative is championed by PhilDev with generous support from Wells Fargo Philippines (Wells Fargo), and aims at nurturing innovation and technopreneurship at the university level. Wells Fargo’s instrumental role as the primary funder underscores its commitment to advancing higher education with a focus on developing a future-ready workforce.

The selected universities – Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, FEU Institute of Technology, Jose Rizal University, STI College Global City, and Mapúa University – have demonstrated exceptional focus in cultivating an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset among their communities. These institutions have met the stringent initial requirements of offering a Technopreneurship 101 subject (or equivalent), aspiring to foster a culture of innovation through an in-house technopreneurship/innovation center, and showcasing a strong core team from diverse departments—a testament to their interdisciplinary commitment.

Harnessing Innovators through a Carefully Curated Selection Process

Each university underwent a rigorous two-stage review process. The first stage involved a thorough Document Review based on the Application Form, from which the top eight universities were shortlisted. The second round involved an in-depth interview with the university representative, coupled with a due diligence review with the university administrative officer. The application period, which was extended until November 08, 2023, saw a highly competitive field of candidates, culminating in the final selection on November 17, 2023.

PhilDev’s flagship program, TechUP, continues its mission to provide indispensable support for Philippine universities to establish their own university-based technopreneurship centers. The collaboration with Wells Fargo ensures that these centers are not only equipped with the right tools but also guided by expertise and global best practices.

“In my view, the careful selection and shortlisting of universities and colleges for this program is paramount. It ensures that we are partnering with institutions that not only share our commitment to innovation and technological advancement but also possess the necessary resources and expertise to foster a robust learning environment. This meticulous process is crucial in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the TechUP program, as it guarantees that students are receiving top-notch education and exposure. Ultimately, our selection reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and innovators,” detailed by Mr. RJ Taduran, PhilDev Program Director, when asked about the importance of thoroughly choosing the universities and colleges who will be part of the cohort.

“As we announce the remarkable universities selected for the TechUP cohorts, it emphasizes the great importance of a rigorous assessment and thorough review in our selection process. These universities represent the future of technology education, and our commitment to carefully evaluating the applicants ensures that we are fostering a cohort of innovators and change-makers. By employing a meticulous screening approach, it helps guarantee that we will empower deserving universities to be the next tech leaders,” highlighted by Ms. Elaine Morales, Executive Director for Philippine S&T Development Foundation.

Cultivating a strategic partnership with Wells Fargo to drive Technopreneurship

The robust partnership between PhilDev and Wells Fargo marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a technologically empowered Filipino community. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of synergistic partnerships in driving forward the goals of educational excellence and innovation.

“It was heartening to see the role of innovation and technopreneurship play in the immediate goals and long-term vision of HEIs, especially the TechUP applicants. We hope that through the TechUP program, we’ll be able to further empower our HEI cohorts in supporting innovative and technopreneurial thinking among their students and other stakeholders.” said Samantha Chico, TechUP Program Manager.

PhilDev and Wells Fargo extend their congratulations to the chosen universities and eagerly anticipate the innovative strides that will stem from this initiative. The journey of these universities, will inspire more academic institutions to embark on similar paths of innovation and leadership.

For more details, press inquiries, or partnership opportunities, please contact Samantha Chico, TechUP Program Manager via email (samantha@phildev.org), or Anne Pascual, TechUP Program Coordinator via email (jacque@phildev.org).

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About PhilDev Foundation:
Philippine Development S&T Foundation, Inc. (PhilDev Foundation) is a nonprofit organization that operates at the intersection of Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. With a vision of a prosperous Philippines through the acceleration of science and technology for national development, PhilDev aspires to drive sustainable social and economic growth by empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. Learn more about PhilDev through www.phildev.org or reach out to them through info@phildev.org.

About Wells Fargo Philippines:
Wells Fargo International Solutions LLC – Philippines is a critical component of Wells Fargo’s (Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) strategy to leverage distinct advantages in doing business in a global environment.

Wells Fargo International Solutions LLC – Philippines enables talent capabilities worldwide to help drive innovation within a constantly evolving environment. It provides operational, functional, and technical expertise to assist the operations, knowledge services, and corporate support teams of Wells Fargo. It facilitates greater efficiency and helps improve service effectiveness in international operations, knowledge support, and middle and back-end business process solutions for a wide spectrum of Wells Fargo’s needs.

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