Bataan 1st District Representative Tony Roman III spearheaded the 1Bataan Innovation Council Meeting last September 18, bringing together provincial officials, educators, business leaders, and members of the technology sector to map out strategies for building a stronger startup ecosystem in the province.

The council also finalized preparations for the first-ever Bataan Startup Summit in October, which is expected to convene innovators, local entrepreneurs, angel investors, academic institutions, and representatives from national agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The Startup Summit aims to become a launchpad for homegrown talent by showcasing business ideas, offering mentorship, and linking startups to potential funding partners. Universities such as Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Bataan are expected to send student innovators, while local chambers of commerce and industry groups are also set to participate. Roman emphasized that this collaborative environment will “equip young innovators with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed.”

The Innovation Council itself was created to align provincial development with science and technology, focusing on digital transformation, startup incubation, and industry-academe-government partnerships.

Congressman Roman, known for pushing educational and innovation-driven programs such as the Cool Iskool Mobile Library and tech-based partnerships with private corporations like ACEN Corp., said empowering the youth is central to his vision of a modern and resilient Bataan economy.

Long known as a hub for industry, trade, and history, Bataan is now taking steps to join the growing number of provinces contributing to the country’s digital economy roadmap. By institutionalizing the Innovation Council and launching events like the Startup Summit, Roman hopes to transform the province into a recognized innovation hub in Central Luzon, where creativity and entrepreneurship fuel inclusive and sustainable development.

The post Roman bats for young innovators as Bataan eyes startup growth appeared first on 1Bataan.