ADDU Computer Studies Students Place 1st Runner-Up in DICT Regional Pitching
Three Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) students from the Computer Studies (CS) Cluster of the School of Arts and Sciences finished as first runner-up in the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Pitching Competition 2026, held under the Philippine Startup Challenge XI, on 27 October 2026.
The competition proper
The Philippine Startup Challenge is DICT’s annual flagship competition in which students pitch ideas for ICT products and services that are innovative, relevant, and viable as business ventures.
It is open to senior high school and college students and runs in three stages: the regional pitching competition, the semifinals, and the finals. DICT regional offices conduct the first stage, where participating teams are screened and shortlisted by a regional selection committee. Regional winners are then endorsed to the DICT main office for the semifinals.
The Ateneo de Davao team
ADDU was represented by Mr. Ricky Rodrigo Jr., a first-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student; Mr. Terenz Jahred Dantes, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student; and Mr. Kimi Jumilla, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Data Science student. Their placing reflects both the steady performance of the team and the range of programs within the CS Cluster. They competed with their startup, “KURYENTA.”
The students were guided by Mr. Patrick Angelo P. Paasa, a faculty member of the Information Technology Department and Director of the Ateneo de Davao Research in Information Systems and Software Engineering (ARISEn) Laboratory. His mentorship supported the team’s preparation for the regional round.
Forming innovative leaders
The School of Arts and Sciences noted that the achievement mirrors the University’s commitment to forming innovative and competent young leaders. It also affirms the University’s aim of encouraging students to apply their talents and technical skills to create solutions that serve the community.
