With the goal of empowering Filipino youth and cultivate young technopreneurs among high school and university students.
QBO Innovation and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through American Spaces Philippines, have forged ties for the creation of a program that is designed to empower Filipino youth towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and innovation.
Called ‘Step Juan: Young Technopreneurs in Training,’ it has been designed to provide high school and university students with limited exposure to startup initiatives with accessible, beginner-friendly learning opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.
It features a curriculum designed to inspire young innovators, including Innovation and Technopreneurship Fundamentals using QBO’s BASIQS program.
During which, there shall be interactive talks by the QBO faculty for aspiring entrepreneurs; technopreneurship training for Teachers; and collaborative learning and co-facilitation.
The ‘Step Juan‘ program has teamed up with the University of Makati (UMak) and Maximo Estrella Senior High School for Cycle 1.
Plans for Cycle 2 and 3 to continue throughout the year with other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) is also in place.
QBO Executive Director Alwyn Rosel emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools and industries, highlighting ‘Step Juan‘ as a vital bridge.
“Step Juan envisions a future where Filipino youth are empowered to pursue STEM and technopreneurship, with educators playing a crucial role in shaping innovative thinkers. The program inspires and equips youth with STEM skills, creates a network of educator mentors, and cultivates stakeholders in the innovation landscape,” said Rosel.
She also shared QBO’s long-term vision for the program, which is to encourage students to pursue STEM careers and provide teachers with new tools and frameworks for innovation-driven education.
For U.S. Embassy, this project aligns with its mandate to develop STEM-aligned skills, promote skills development, and enhance English language learning.
“By supporting programs that advance STEM education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development, we aim to foster economic opportunity and sustainable impact,” said Kevin Punzalan, Specialist at the American Spaces Program, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
He added, their collaboration with QBO Innovation reflects embassy’s commitment to helping equip public school students and educators, who have little to no exposure to these opportunities, with hands-on learning experiences and the tools to continuously inspire and nurture future innovators.
In its report, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shared that there is dwindling interest in STEM among young Filipinos.
Hence the program’s activities aim to ignite curiosity and enhance critical thinking to future-proof young technopreneurs, as well as onboard professors and educators, to effectively champion science, technology, and innovation within their schools.
QBO was created in 2016 as the Philippines’ first public-private initiative between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
It is focused on providing a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talents, and grow through incubation and acceleration programs for startups across multiple stages and industries.
