Dodo Academy joins expert panel for MVP showcase at Caraga State University
Innovation continues to grow in the Caraga startup ecosystem as six emerging startups from Navigatu TBI’s Cohort 9 presented their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) during a recent technology readiness showcase.
The event marked an important milestone for the incubatees as they demonstrated their Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 prototypes: a key requirement for completing Phase 1 of the incubation program.
Representing Dodo Coworking Space, proprietor Dominique Haas and a product engineer, joined the panel to provide insights on startup development, market readiness, and product refinement.
Six Startups Present Their MVPs
The showcase featured six promising startups, each presenting solutions developed during their incubation journey:
• Ascribo.AI - John Vianney P. Jandayan, Mac Tomi Bandialan, Hannah Sophia L. Villanueva
• BizNest - Roman R. Osorio, Prince Niño D. Antigo, Jetross Axle Galinato, Mardz Allyna C. Lidasan, Centmarde J. Campado
• Care Guardian - Noralf F. Russel, Christian James M. Bantillo, Khervee P. Lagang
• Atong Ani (EcoLabs) - Adrian L. Andales, Ralph Vincent P. Tajantajan, Geen Caille L. Malaguena, Divina P. Roy
• Farm2Home - Ronymar A. Tejano, John Barry R. Colima, Ronel D. Melendrez
• Sinawali Showdown - Mardz Allyna C. Lidasan, Centmarde J. Campado, Mark Daniel M. Jamisola, Lloyd Bill M. Lariosa
Each team presented their prototype, explained their market problem, and demonstrated how their MVP aims to address real-world challenges.
Expert Feedback from the Panel
To guide the startups in refining their innovations, the presentations were evaluated by a panel of ecosystem leaders:
• Emman Liam L. Prisco, Supervising Science Research Specialist of Department of Science and Technology – Caraga Region
• Dominique Haas, Proprietor of Dodo Coworking Space
• Francis John Tin-ao, Project Technical Assistant I of the PAMANA Project
Panel members provided recommendations on improving product-market fit, market analysis, and the practical steps needed to transition from prototype to real deployment.
For many incubatees, this feedback session served as a valuable opportunity to gain perspectives from professionals actively involved in innovation and startup development.
Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem
Events like these reflect the growing collaboration between academic institutions, government initiatives, and private innovation spaces.
By participating as a panel member, Dodo Coworking Space continues to support the development of early-stage startups and contribute to strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through partnerships with institutions such as Caraga State University and its Navigatu Technology Business Incubator, initiatives like this help aspiring founders transform early ideas into viable solutions that can serve communities and industries.
Looking Forward
As the Cohort 9 startups move forward in their incubation journey, the insights gathered from the MVP presentations will play a crucial role in shaping their next steps.
From refining their technologies to validating their markets, the experience marks an important step toward bringing their innovations closer to real-world implementation.
For Dodo, participating in initiatives like this reinforces its mission to foster collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful conversations that support the growth of startups in the region.