𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 — In a remarkable display of ingenuity and purpose-driven innovation, Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) proudly emerged as one of the top-performing institutions during the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), held from July 30 to August 1, 2025, at Robinsons Place, Butuan City.

Anchored on the national theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and Caraga’s regional banner “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” this year’s RSTW showcased the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation in building resilient and future-ready communities.

Graced by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., along with DOST officials and regional leaders, RSTW 2025 featured a dynamic array of exhibits, technology launches, and innovation competitions, most notably the Elev8 PH Startup Challenge: Hack4Smart, Circular Economy Pitch, and InnovEats: The Food Innovation Challenge.

In the midst of this convergence of brilliant minds, SNSU made history by clinching top honors across multiple categories, a testament to the university’s growing innovation ecosystem and unyielding commitment to sustainable development, research excellence, and inclusive innovation.

𝗦𝗡𝗦𝗨 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦

1st Place – Circular Economy Equipment and Tools

Innovation: Solar-powered Fermentation Equipment for Biofertilizer Production – a pioneering tool designed to empower farmers with sustainable, solar-powered solutions for biofertilizer production.

Innovator: Mary Amor G. Figueroa

1st Place – Student Category, Hack4Smart

Solution: B-Line – An AI-powered decision-support platform for MSMEs

Startup Founders: Mark Nelson Bentulan (CTO), Welbert Lumpaguid (CEO), Ehzier Jade Lacia (CMO)

2nd Place – Faculty Category, Hack4Smart

Solution: WayBetter .AI – A smart road management system combining AI, GIS, and real-time data

Faculty Founders: Engr. Levi Corvera (CEO), Engr. Gracechell Pascua (CMO), Mr. Renz Buctuan (CTO)

2nd Place – Faculty Division, InnovEats: Food Innovation Pitch

Product: Mushroom Pastil- A health-conscious reinvention of a traditional Filipino rice meal using nutrient-rich mushrooms.

Innovator: Mary Amor G. Figueroa

2nd Place – Student Division, InnovEats: Food Innovation Pitch

Product: Hope-Yah Caraga- A delicacy filled with local tableya chocolate, celebrating Caraga’s cacao heritage.

Innovator: Johnray S. Rivera

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 – 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗘𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵

Product: Mac&Mush Bowl – A mushroom-macaroni-corn fusion by Mary Amor G. Figueroa

Product: BiniBites Caraga – Self-heating snack innovations by Dr. Cheyserr C. Lelis

Product: Bangus Sisig – A ready-to-eat, healthy take on a Filipino classic by Berna Cris C. Gomez

2nd Place – MSME Division, InnovEats (SNSU-Assisted MSME)

Product: Tableya Ice Cream – Rocky Road – a proud local creation fusing tableya and rocky road flavors into a creamy treat.

Enterprise: LISBOS Cacao Trading

SNSU’s participation and success at RSTW 2025 were the result of preparation, ideation, and collaboration. Its faculty and student teams actively took part in the Startup Bootcamp and AI Prototyping Workshops held on July 21–22, 2025, and proudly pitched their smart city solutions on July 30 at the Oasis Hotel, Butuan City.

The results speak volumes—not only of SNSU’s technical capabilities but of its strong institutional commitment to solving real-world challenges in partnership with local communities and industries.

These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the SNSU Officials led by President Dr. Rowena A. Plando and Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Romy Jun A. Sunico, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving innovation forward. Gratitude is also extended to the ever supportive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ronita E. Talingting and Vice President for Administration Dr. Mauricio S. Adlaon, the SNSU campus directors, deans, faculty members, and staff, whose collective efforts and commitment helped bring these milestones to life.

Special appreciation goes to DOST Caraga Regional Director Engr. Noel M. Ajoc, DOST-SDN Provincial Director Ms. Mariel P. Makinano, and DOST Caraga Science Research Specialist Engr. Emman Prisco for their continued support, mentorship, and steadfast belief in the capabilities of SNSU.

Shout out to the RIE Office Team, along with the FIC Team and WAVES TBI Team, for collectively working to bring this achievement to life. May this begin a movement of stronger collaborations, of empowering students, faculty, and staff alike to innovate, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact. May this also sow seeds of hope and encouragement for everyone who dreams- reminding us all that with vision, support, and faith, anything is possible.

“God made a way—and SNSU delivered. To God be all the glory!”

“𝐹𝘰𝑟 𝑖𝘯𝑐𝘭𝑢𝘴𝑖𝘷𝑒 𝑔𝘳𝑜𝘸𝑡𝘩, 𝑒𝘮𝑝𝘰𝑤𝘦𝑟𝘦𝑑 𝑙𝘪𝑣𝘦𝑠 𝑎𝘯𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝘦𝑟𝘷𝑖𝘤𝑒-𝑓𝘰𝑐𝘶𝑠𝘦𝑑 𝑓𝘶𝑡𝘶𝑟𝘦”

𝗦𝗗𝗚 𝟵 – 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

𝗦𝗗𝗚 𝟭𝟮 – 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗦𝗗𝗚 𝟭𝟳 – 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀