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31 July 2025
Ten alumni-led startups were honored at the Benilde Alumni Technopreneur (BeAT) Awards 2025, held on July 23 at the CWC Interiors Design Center. The event recognized Benildean graduates who are creating meaningful change through innovation, entrepreneurship, and discipline-driven ventures.
The BeAT Awards were made possible through the efforts of the Benilde Center for Partnership Advancement, in collaboration with the Benilde Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi). Together, they champion Benildean alumni who turn creativity and technology into real-world solutions that make a difference. Finalists underwent a rigorous selection process and participated in a two-day BeAT Camp held from July 21 to 22, where they refined their pitches and connected with mentors. The grand awardee receives a ₱350,000 grant and six months of business development support, while special citation recipients are awarded ₱35,000 and access to investor networks.
This year’s Trailblazing Grand Winner is Mary Grace “Orange” Silverio, founder of Tambanokano Aqua Farm. A Career Development Program scholar and Business Administration graduate, Orange is revolutionizing mud crab farming through a “condominium-style” housing system that helps crabs grow bigger, healthier, and more efficiently. Her venture offers a scalable solution for coastal communities and reflects her grit, growth, and determination to uplift local livelihoods.
Lalaine Almoro, founder of Gussy Design, received the Trailblazing Tech-for-Good citation. A graduate of the Interior Design Program, Lalaine is revolutionizing home styling through a tech-powered platform that delivers professional design services quickly, affordably, and seamlessly. Her work shows how technology can promote equity, solve real-world problems, and create scalable impact.
Diana Joyce Lorenzo, founder of Unit 605 Coffee, was awarded the Trailblazing Social Impact citation. A graduate of the HRIM Program major in Hospitality Management, Diana brews with purpose, serving mindfully crafted cold brew that’s gentler on the gut, friendlier to the acidic, and a celebration of local flavors and people. Her café champions underserved communities and proves that empathy and entrepreneurship can thrive together.
Anne Mikelle Nayve, founder of Pumapapel Crafts, earned the Trailblazing Creative Disruptor citation. A graduate of the Industrial Design Program, Amy leads the Philippines’ first and only paper engineering studio. She transforms flat sheets into immersive pop-ups and interactive brand experiences, blending craftsmanship with imagination and redefining how stories are told.
Other finalists also showcased strong ideas and discipline-driven ventures. These include AIMHI by Cherryanne Angoy, Sane & Co. Jewelry by Wayne George Abordo, Tito Manny’s Pizzeria by Richard Jan Agtarap, Anda Home by Cal Habos, Casa Amorito by Maria Jesusa Pajarin, and Alto Contractors Corp. by Allysandra Janine Baisa-Rabaya. Each finalist demonstrated how Benildean values can be applied to build businesses that are creative, inclusive, and socially relevant.
Benilde’s support for startup ideas and ventures is not new. Since 2016, the College has cultivated a culture of innovation through the Benilde Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi), a DOST-PCIEERD accredited Technology Business Incubator housed at the PDGii Building. HiFi transforms capstone projects, faculty research, and alumni initiatives into viable business ventures, especially in digital interactive media and design. It serves as a Force Multiplier Hub for Inclusive, Creative, and Trailblazing Innovators, purposefully solving almost intractable problems with real-world productized solutions, extraordinarily well.
Complementing HiFi’s incubation efforts is the Center for Intellectual Property Management (CIPM), which ensures that Benildean innovations are protected and strategically positioned for growth. As part of the IPOPHL-accredited Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), CIPM empowers students, faculty, and alumni to manage and safeguard their intellectual property. Its initiatives, such as the “Benilde Women Changemakers” panel held in celebration of World IP Day, highlight the College’s commitment to inclusive innovation and sustainable futures through creativity and IP stewardship.
Just this May, 16 HiFi-supported startups entered the BAJ Accelerator Cohort 2025, a six-day intensive program in New York that connects early-stage ventures with global mentors and investors. Earlier this July, HiFi also led the Animo Create workshop for Senior High School students from the TVL and GAS strands, guiding them through inclusive design thinking and prototype development. It’s all part of how Benilde empowers students to explore, build, and bring their ideas to life, both in school and out in the world.
The BeAT Awards are part of Benilde’s broader commitment to alumni engagement. Earlier this year, the College hosted its first Topnotchers’ Night, recognizing board exam achievers across Architecture, Interior Design, and Real Estate programs. These initiatives affirm that Benilde’s care for students does not end at graduation. It continues to honor alumni who rise, lead, and make a difference in their own ways.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
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