Student innovators from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus emerged as the top winner of the 2025 CAPSU EyLITE Challenge Pitching Competition, held at Robinsons Place Roxas on January 23, 2026.
Organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO), the competition featured ten innovative student projects aimed at addressing real community challenges through research-driven entrepreneurship.
Winning Innovations
The competition showcased a diverse range of solutions, from sustainable agriculture and aquaculture to public health initiatives. The top three winning entries were:
1st Place – BLOQ, a mosquito repellant made of natural ingredients. The project was developed by Christine Jean Escaño, Kimberly Mae T. Cheverias, and Princess Jean Fancubila of CAPSU Burias Campus. The team received a ₱65,000.00 cash prize.
2nd Place – JUDEDELIGHTS, a kalabasa-based delicacy developed by Jude Patrick Ruiz Delfin of CAPSU Pontevedra Campus. The product promotes wellness, offers nutritional benefits, and addresses agricultural market surplus. He received a ₱50,000.00 cash prize.
3rd Place – Golden Bug, a project proposed by Miles C. Conlu of Dumarao Satellite College. The initiative aims to establish a facility that breeds, rears, and processes Black Soldier Fly larvae into high-protein insect meal as an alternative feed ingredient. He received a ₱35,000.00 cash prize.
Participants who did not place in the top three were awarded a ₱10,000 consolation prize. The funds are intended to support the continued development and refinement of their respective projects.
Expert Panel of Judges
The student pitches were evaluated by a panel of experts from the academe, government, and industry, ensuring the feasibility and market readiness of the proposed innovations:
- Engr. Ma. Shariz Rose P. Garrino, Regional Ecosystem Development Coordinator and Project Technical Assistant V for the UMWAD Program at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U);
- Mr. Ryan Vilmor J. Dumpit, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Assistant Provincial Director of DOST VI – Capiz Provincial Science and Technology Office;
- Mr. Rico C. Garcia, Provincial Government Department Head and LEDIP Officer at the Capiz Provincial Capitol; and
- Mr. Danilo B. So Chan, Proprietor of DANCORR Car Care Center and DANCORR Auto Parts and General Merchandise
From Ideas to Enterprise
University President Dr. Efren L. Linan thanked all the attendees, especially the panel of judges and the representatives from the partner agencies. He encouraged the students to sustain their innovative efforts as the university continues to strengthen its student entrepreneurship initiatives.
“Let your enterprises create value that uplifts communities, protects the environment, and strengthens local industries. Innovations rooted in service become a powerful force for transformation,” Dr. Linan said.
Closing the event, Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for RDE, reminded the pitchers that they are already winners by participating in the competition. “Your technology presented will not only be kept on the shelves, but they will have to reach the market and its end-users”, he said.
| Texts by Frederick D. Almeida, photos by Marco Jeslie B. Tuazon, CAPSU-PIO