๐ถ-๐๐๐ง๐ฐ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ฆ | ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐-๐จ๐ฝ ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ๐บ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐: ๐ ๐๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
The thriving startup ecosystem of Cagayan Valley took center stage during the recent panel discussion that brought together three homegrown startup founders, each sharing their unique entrepreneurial journeys. The discussion was a key highlight of the i-ACT4SmartCity, designed to inspire aspiring innovators and provide invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup.
Jemar Jude Maranga, Founder of Code Chum (an EdTech startup based in Cebu), kicked off the discussion by recounting the humble beginnings of his startup. Maranga highlighted the importance of understanding users’ pain points and providing solutions that meet their needs. Starting with just one clientโa local schoolโhis company has now expanded to serve over 100 schools nationwide.
Joining Maranga on the panel were two homegrown founders from DISC-TBI: Roger Braun, founder of Bjahe, and Michelangelo Barroga, founder of EXOID Robotics. Braun’s journey began with the iDeaTech Challenge 2023, where the talks and ideation sessions sparked his curiosity about tech startups, becoming the turning point in the development of his mobility tech startup, “Bjahe.” He is now preparing to pilot-test his technology in Cauayan City in partnership with the local government. Meanwhile, Barroga, who started as a young robotics enthusiast, has transformed his passion into EXOID Robotics, a smart home solutions startup that is now attracting clients and partners. EXOID Robotics offers customizable and tailored smart home solutions that reflect each client’s unique preferences.
Prior to the panel discussion, Engr. Janica Tacazon, IP Field Operations Specialist from the Intellectual Property Satellite Office in Tuguegarao, delivered an insightful talk on the “Value of Intellectual Property in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.” Her presentation covered key IP concepts such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial design, and utility models. Engr. Tacazon emphasized the critical role intellectual property (IP) plays in safeguarding the inventions and innovations of startup founders.
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