The Center for Intellectual Property Management, in partnership with the Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HIFI), officially launched the Benilde Makers Market, an initiative that aims to showcase and exhibit the creativity, ingenuity, and quality of student projects and their significance within the academic community on Mar. 19 and 20.
This two-day event, held at the Benilde Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HIFI) Peter D. Garrucho Jr. Innovations Institute, served as a platform not only to promote Benildean-made products, but also for aspiring student-entrepreneurs to learn more about building a sustainable business. It was spearheaded by the Center for Intellectual Property Management (CIPM), an IPOPHL-accredited Innovation & Technology Office, in collaboration with Benilde HIFI.
Partners from the Benilde Center for Partnership and Advancement, Everything Green, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines-Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights, and the Department of Trade and Industry-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) also attended the event.
Beyond the marketplace, bootcamps filled the morning session, offering messages of support featuring seasoned professionals namely the Officer-in-Charge Chairperson of Career Development Program Mr. Angel Martin Manalansan, Chief of Intellectual Property Rights Specialist Ms. Beng Reyes, and Director of DTI-CIG Jo-Dann Darong. These sessions include comprehensive talks about launching startups, formulas to achieve business success, and intellectual property protection.
“One of my portfolios is to ensure that there will be more creative entrepreneurs, and I think this particular Benilde Makers Market is actually a way for me to see that there are so many creative entrepreneurs moving forward,” Darong noted in an interview with The Benildean.
“I hope that we continue to have this kind of activity. And I invite everybody to see, learn the things that they are doing, but give feedback when necessary because that is what a great entrepreneur is all about: accepting feedback,” he added.
The event was supported by Benildean student-run vendors, such as The Bow, Maison Pinton, Impressions by Kirsten, Lou & Cayne, Tote Responsibly, Repamana, and Lei Designs who all cater to fashion enthusiasts. For indulgent delights, audiences were treated to offerings by Jane Dough Desserts and Baker’O.
Meanwhile, art enthusiasts found themselves drawn to the unique creations of Bead Mine, One4U, and SariCycling.
To learn more about the event and similar projects, you may visit the Benilde Intellectual Property and Benilde HIFI Facebook pages.
