Jakarta, Indonesia – Three Palawan State University (PalawanSU) students representing the Philippines captured global attention as its Prime Student Unicard project took center stage in this year’s University Incubator Consortium (UNIIC) Demo Day 2024 in Indonesia. 

Hailing from various universities across ASEAN, India, and South Africa region, student innovators and startups gathered at this prestigious event, which provided the Palawan State University (PalawanSU) team with a valuable platform to showcase their entrepreneurial vision. The team presented a solution designed to address financial challenges faced by students, highlighting their commitment to innovation and impact in the education sector.

During an interview with Palawan International Technology Business Incubator (PITBI) team, Mikaela Marie Badang, 21, said that the Prime Student Unicard, which was initially developed during the Sustainable Development Goal-Related Project Proposal Competition at PalawanSU’s University Week in 2022, was a product of the Royal Ventures team, composed of BSPA students Eloiza Labastida, Henry Lorenz Parrenas, Alessandra Lapating, and Rock Tyron Baldoza. The project’s primary goal was to ease the financial burden of students while helping local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Prime Student Unicard began in 2022 when the Royal Ventures team of College of Business and Accountancy—composed of BSPA students Eloiza Labastida, Henry Lorenz Parrenas, Alessandra Lapating (now alumni), Rock Tyron Baldoza, and myself—decided to participate in the Sustainable Development Goal-Related Project Proposal Competition during PalawanSU University Week,” she said.

The project, which offers students discounts on essential products and services, was inspired by the team’s own experiences with the high costs of living as students. In addition to helping students save money, the Unicard aims to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by connecting them with a broader student market.

“The inspiration behind its development stemmed from our desire to address the financial difficulties that students encounter daily, such as the high costs of basic goods and services. As students ourselves, we understood the burden of managing expenses, so we saw an opportunity to create a solution that would not only provide discounts but also foster a sense of community by connecting students with local MSMEs,” Badang said.

At UNIIC Demo Day, the PalawanSU team received valuable feedback from judges and industry experts, which provided new insights into how the project could evolve. Mikaela highlighted one key area for improvement—the need to integrate financial literacy initiatives into the Unicard program to promote more responsible spending among students.

“One of the key insights was the need to adopt a different approach to addressing students’ savings. While providing discounts is a creative idea, it does risk promoting more consumptive behavior. Moving forward, we could consider integrating educational components or financial literacy initiatives that empower students to make informed spending decisions,” Badang added.

For Aen Klein A. Amora, the team’s representative who also pitched the project during the event, the experience was a personal and professional milestone. 

“Honestly, I was completely shocked when I found out I was chosen to pitch internationally. However, I know I wouldn’t be here without the Prime Student Unicard. I’m truly committed to pitching this product. This experience has changed me significantly, especially in how I interact with entrepreneurs,” Amora said.

Meanwhile, Barysh Nikon Bacaltos, another member of the team, reflected on the collaborative nature of the event, which provided opportunities to network with startups from across ASEAN.

“The event is not about the competition; it’s about collaboration with other startups, forming meaningful connections and networks. All of the interactions I had made me realize that I have the potential to do something more, inspired by other people with creative minds,” he said.

PalawanSU’s involvement in cross-border competitions is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its innovation ecosystem. Dr. Ramon M. Docto, President of Palawan State University, highlighted the significance of such opportunities for the university’s growth.

“Cross-border competitions like the UNIIC Demo Day play a crucial role in our university’s innovation ecosystem. They provide a platform for our students to showcase their talents and ideas on a global stage, allowing them to gain valuable experience and insights that go beyond the classroom. Such events foster an entrepreneurial mindset, promote innovation, and build networks that are vital for both personal and institutional growth,” Dr. Docto said.

The university is taking active steps to further strengthen its startup initiatives and prepare more students for international opportunities. According to Dr. Docto, PalawanSU is committed to fostering a culture of innovation by enhancing its startup incubator programs and building partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

“At Palawan State University, we are committed to nurturing an environment where innovation thrives. We have been actively enhancing our startup incubator programs, fostering collaborations with local and international partners, and integrating entrepreneurship into our curriculum. By empowering our students with the right tools and knowledge, they will be better equipped for international platforms like UNIIC,” he said.

Dr. Docto also encouraged future PalawanSU students to seize the opportunities available to them and strive for excellence in the global stage.

“To our future innovators and entrepreneurs at Palawan State University, I encourage you to dream big and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. Competitions like the UNIIC Demo Day are not just about winning—they are about learning, collaborating, and pushing boundaries. With passion, perseverance, and a dedication to continuous learning, you too can create solutions that make a difference,” he said.

The success of PalawanSU’s participation in UNIIC Demo Day would not have been possible without the vital support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-MIMAROPA) through the Regional Director Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay. DOST-MIMAROPA played a crucial role in connecting PalawanSU-PITBI with the University Incubator Consortium, enabling the team to compete and collaborate on an international stage. This partnership is part of the broader initiative by DOST-MIMAROPA to foster innovation in the region.

From a mentor’s perspective, the students’ participation in UNIIC Demo Day was a pivotal moment in their entrepreneurial development. Ms. Ramy Ann Maigue-Libarra, one of the team’s mentors, emphasized the impact of the experience on their growth and readiness to enter the startup ecosystem.

“Participation in the UNIIC Demo Day served as a transformative experience for the students, providing a unique platform to present and validate their entrepreneurial ideas on an international stage. It not only refined their pitch delivery skills but also broadened their understanding of global market dynamics and industry standards. Engaging with industry leaders enabled them to integrate constructive feedback, enhancing their adaptability and resilience—key traits for entrepreneurial success,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in fostering innovation and how it benefits PalawanSU’s future projects.

“International collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation as it brings diverse perspectives, expertise, and best practices that can significantly enrich local ecosystems. For PalawanSU, engaging with international partners opens up opportunities for joint research, cross-border incubator programs, and access to a global network of mentors and investors,” she added.

The PITBI has always expressed its commitment to supporting international collaboration and leveraging partnerships that can accelerate the growth of student startups. As the Prime Student Unicard team returns to the Philippines, they carry with them new insights and strategies to further enhance their project. Plans are underway to integrate academic functionalities, build partnerships with local businesses, and introduce financial literacy initiatives.

The team’s journey at UNIIC Demo Day serves as a testament to the potential of PalawanSU’s entrepreneurial talent, and the Prime Student Unicard’s evolution marks an important step toward making a meaningful impact on both students and the community.