DOST Caraga introduces AI, innovation to 200 scholars
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga introduced and prepared its scholars on the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and technopreneurship.
This topic was highlighted at the December 15, 2025, Caraga State University DOST Scholars’ Regional Summit, which gathered 200 scholars from the DOST–Science Education Institute (SEI).
Anchored on the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS PH) of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the summit highlighted the critical role of scholars as future innovators, technopreneurs, and leaders in advancing AI-driven research and development.
The activity also supported DOST Caraga’s ELEV8PH or Elevate PH direction, which focuses on strengthening research, innovation, and startup creation in the region. Through this direction, DOST can create innovations that promote inclusive economic growth, community-based solutions, and sustainable regional development.
With the theme, ‘Launchpad for AI-Driven Research, Innovation & Startup Creation, and Radiate,’ the summit equipped scholars with knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the evolving science and technology landscape. Topics discussed included the introduction to AI and its relevance to academic work, prompt engineering for research and productivity, and technopreneurship covering startups, innovation hubs, and design thinking.
Engineer Noel M. Ajoc, regional director of Caraga-DOST, said, “AI plays a transformative role in research and real-world problem-solving that urges scholars to become responsible and proactive leaders in science and technology.”
Engineer Emman Lliam L. Prisco of DOST Caraga likewise encouraged participants to translate innovative ideas into viable, market-ready solutions by introducing technopreneurship, innovation hubs, design thinking, and startups.
“A major highlight of the summit is the Student Startups Presentation, where scholars showcased innovative concepts that address community and national concerns.”
The top performers in the Startup Presentation Contest were Jake S. Dampios for Smartcare (No. 1), Kimberly Aloyon and Wendyl Grace Anuncidao for Site Up (No. 2), and Kristel Jane Donan for Agapai (No. 3).
Through the summit, DOST Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Caraganon scientists, innovators, and technopreneurs by advancing the National AI Strategy for the Philippines and strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from DOST Caraga)