Startup Showdown: CarSU Innovation Challenge 2024

The spirit of innovation was in full swing during the Startup Showdown: CarSU Innovation Challenge 2024, held on August 6–7, 2024, at Caraga State University (CarSU), Ampayon, Butuan City. The two-day event served as a dynamic platform for young innovators, technopreneurs, and researchers to transform their ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, ICT, and engineering.

Day 1: Igniting Innovation

The first day of the event kicked off with a surge of creativity as participating teams showcased their initial concepts and prototypes. Guided by mentors and industry experts, participants refined their pitch decks, strengthened their business models, and developed compelling presentations that aligned with real-world market needs. The mentorship sessions provided valuable insights on technology validation, business strategy, and investor readiness, empowering teams to articulate the value of their innovations effectively.

Day 2: Pitching Competition — Ideas in Action

On the second day, the much-awaited Pitching Competition took center stage. Each team confidently presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges composed of experts from academia, government, and industry. The energy was palpable as participants turned their visions into action, demonstrating creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

From sustainable agri-tech solutions to smart ICT applications, every presentation reflected CarSU’s growing innovation ecosystem and its commitment to nurturing future startup founders and changemakers. The event not only highlighted the ingenuity of CarSU students and researchers but also showcased how university-based innovations can contribute to the region’s socio-economic development.