UMN Signed a MoA with 18 Universities from 7 ASEAN Countries, Igniting innovation and Entrepreneurship

University students and staff in the UNIIC Ideathon 2024 in Palawan, Philippines. (Doc. UMN)

Palawan, Philippines – The University Incubator Consortium (UNIIC) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the UNIIC Ideathon 2024, held on May 27-28, 2024, at the Citystate Asturias Hotel in Palawan, Philippines. This innovative event brought together 156 participants from ASEAN countries, India, and South Africa, providing a dynamic platform for early-stage startups to showcase their cutting-edge ideas.

The event is hosted by Palawan State University (PSU), Western Philippines University (WPU), Mindoro State University (MinSU), and DOST-MIMAROPA. The UNIIC Ideathon 2024 aimed to unlock additional resources for participants and foster connections that could elevate their ventures to new heights. 

Over two days, students and budding entrepreneurs had the unique opportunity to enhance their visibility, expand their networks, engage with potential partners and accelerators, and forge meaningful relationships with participants from other universities. 

Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) was one of the university participants in the event, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. UMN joined forces with 17 other universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and South Africa to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to enhance business incubator and research cooperation. 

This partnership showcases UMN’s dedication to providing high-quality education and driving business innovation and entrepreneurship not just in Indonesia but also abroad. By participating in the UNIIC Ideathon 2024, UMN demonstrates its proactive step to empowering students and faculty with the opportunities needed to excel in the industry.

“UMN is proud to be part of this remarkable consortium. Our participation in this event marks another significant step in our efforts to nurture and support entrepreneurs, and provide our students with exceptional opportunities for innovation and growth,” says Dr. Ir. Andrey Andoko as the Vice Rector of UMN.

17 universities and DOST-MIMAROPA signed MOA to signify the collaborations. (Doc. UMN)

Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay of DOST-MIMAROPA emphasized the importance of fostering a technopreneurial culture among universities in the region. 

“We aim to encourage students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in technology. This collaboration will help cultivate more technopreneurs, driving technological advancements and economic growth in our regions,” she said.

Professor Dr. Angelina Yee Seow Voon, the founder and key driver behind UNIIC, highlighted the consortium’s unique nature. 

“UNIIC is unique where friendships blossom through getting together in research collaborations and publications, as well as competing in annual Ideathon, Hackathon, and Demo Day,” she remarked.

As the UNIIC Ideathon 2024 concluded, participants left with enhanced skills, new connections, and a renewed drive to turn their ideas into reality. UNIIC looks forward to continuing its support for these promising startups and witnessing their future successes. The event aims to successfully bridge the gap between early-stage startups and investors, paving the way for future innovations and partnerships.

For more information about the UNIIC Ideathon 2024 and future UNIIC initiatives, please visit https://sites.google.com/psu.palawan.edu.ph/uniic2024-ph/ideathon-2024. 

By Levina Chresella Theodor | UMN News Service