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The Startup Awards 2025 marked the grand finale of this year’s Western Visayas Innovative Startup Fest—bringing together innovators, founders, and ecosystem builders for a night dedicated to excellence and impact.
held on September 20, 2025. Capping off five days of conferences, expos, workshops, and pitch events, the awards ceremony honored the brightest innovators, rising founders, and standout champions who continue to shape the region’s growing startup landscape.
This culminating event brought together trailblazers from across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo. Packed with industry leaders, government partners, investors, and ecosystem builders, the ceremony opened with a powerful message emphasizing how technology and collaboration fuel sustainable development in Western Visayas. The atmosphere reflected both prestige and purpose—celebrating not only the awardees but also the collective momentum driving the region’s innovation ecosystem forward.
Honoring Excellence Across the Ecosystem
The 2025 awardees represent outstanding leadership, creativity, and commitment to regional progress:
Outstanding Incubator Award (IEET): CPU GAD TBI
CPU GAD TBI continues to elevate the region’s innovation scene through strong founder support, active community-building, and impactful incubation programs. Their recognition reflects their consistent dedication to nurturing startups across diverse sectors.
Outstanding Incubator Award (AANR): CAPSULE ATBI
CAPSULE ATBI stands out for its excellence in agricultural and aquaculture innovations, offering crucial support to early-stage ventures and pushing the boundaries of agri-based entrepreneurship.
Startup of the Year (IEET): DigiHwy
DigiHwy impressed judges with a forward-thinking solution addressing digital infrastructure challenges. Their work demonstrates the power of technology in improving connectivity and accessibility for communities.
Startup of the Year (AANR): OG KOPI Roastery & Coffee House
This homegrown venture has successfully blended innovation with heritage. OG KOPI Roastery & Coffee House champions local agriculture while elevating Western Visayas’ coffee culture on a national stage.
Spin-off of the Year (AANR): FILARB Waste Management Services
FILARB Waste Management Services was recognized for transforming research outputs into a viable, impactful enterprise—an example of how science-driven solutions can shape sustainable industries.
The Rainmaker Award: Mr. Jose Francisco Gerona
Mr. Gerona’s long-standing contributions to mentoring founders, supporting ecosystem programs, and mobilizing networks earned him this distinguished recognition. His leadership continues to empower innovators throughout the region.
Startup Champion (Private Sector): PCCI – Iloilo Chapter
The Iloilo business community has been a steadfast partner in growing local entrepreneurship. PCCI’s commitment to advocacy, linkages, and MSME empowerment makes them a key force in the startup ecosystem.
Startup Champion (LGU): Iloilo City Government
Through progressive policies and strong support for innovation, the Iloilo City Government remains a catalyst for transforming the city into a competitive hub for startups and technology-driven enterprises.
A Vibrant Conclusion to an Innovation-Packed Week
The Western Visayas Startup Awards 2025 served as a powerful closing chapter to a week dedicated to building a cohesive, future-ready innovation ecosystem. Throughout the festival, UMWAD Western Visayas and its partners convened stakeholders across government, academia, industry, NGOs, and investor groups—creating a dynamic environment for collaboration, learning, and commercialization of ideas.
From insightful sessions to technology showcases and competitive pitch events, the festival reaffirmed the region’s potential to become a leading hub for innovation in the Philippines. The awards ceremony encapsulated this vision by shining a spotlight on the individuals and organizations driving meaningful change.
As the curtains close on this year’s Startup Fest & Tech Expo, one message rings true: Western Visayas is not just participating in the nation’s innovation movement—it is shaping it. With its strong partnerships, vibrant talent, and committed ecosystem champions, the region is well on its way to building a sustainable and future-ready startup landscape.
