Located at the heart of Western Mindanao’s innovation scene, the ACEND unites three pillars of growth:
1. AZUL Hub: Incubating the next generation of startups.
2. Fabrication Laboratory: Turning blueprints into reality.
3. Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO): Protecting and propelling intellectual property.
These three pillars synergize to foster a dynamic ecosystem driving innovation and entrepreneurship forward.
From the halls of AdZU to the far reaches of the Peninsula and BARMM, we provide the tools, the mentorship, and the ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive. Ideas flourish here. Businesses succeed here. Society changes here.
To lead a dynamic ecosystem of creative collaboration where Mindanao’s talent fuels impactful innovation and global-ready entrepreneurship.
ACEND empowers the Ateneo de Zamboanga community and beyond by bridging the gap between classroom curiosity and industry reality. Through creative collaboration and strategic support, we turn Mindanao’s brightest ideas into scalable solutions that drive regional prosperity.
The Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development (ACEND) was founded in 2024 as part of the University’s strategic vision outlined in the A-d-Z-U Framework, particularly focusing on the pillar “Zealous in Charting Global Paths.” This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of research, innovation, and international collaboration, reinforcing the University’s dedication to fostering socially responsible enterprises that benefit the community. ACEND acts as a central hub to enhance efforts in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization, supporting startups, promoting the application of research, managing intellectual property, and facilitating product development through its three specialized offices. The AZUL Hub, launched in 2023 with backing from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), serves as the University’s Technology Business Incubator, providing essential incubation, mentorship, and capacity-building programs. Additionally, the Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) and ZamPen InnoHive, established in 2023 with assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry Region IX, offer resources for digital fabrication, prototyping, and collaborative innovation. Furthermore, the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), created in 2024 as part of the national network of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPhil), plays a crucial role in protecting intellectual property assets, facilitating commercialization, and raising awareness of IP within the University.
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Director, ACEND
Manager, ITSO
Manager, Fabrication Lab
TBI Officer, AZUL Hub
Technical Specialist, Fabrication Lab
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Technical Staff, Fabrication Lab
Admin Officer, ACEND
