University Managed Technology Business Incubator: Mechanism for advancing Agri-Aqua Start-ups

Agri-aqua start-ups; Technology Business Incubator (TBI); Central Mindanao University; DOST-PCAARRD; agricultural entrepreneurship; business incubation; capacity building; product development; rural development; food security

Sheila C. Poonon
Faculty, Agribusiness Management, Central
Mindanao University, Dologon, Maramag
Bukidnon, Philippines. Email:
f.sheila.poonon@cmu.edu.ph, ORCID ID :
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2241-9203

Correspondence to:
Sheila C. Poonon
Faculty, Agribusiness Management, Central
Mindanao University, Dologon, Maramag
Bukidnon, Philippines.
Email: f.sheila.poonon@cmu.edu.ph
ORCID ID : https://orcid.org/0000-0002-22419203

Received:10-06-2026
Revised:17-07-2026
Accepted:22-07-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(6s), 160–173

University Managed Technology Business Incubator: Mechanism for advancing Agri-Aqua Startups

Agri-aqua start-ups play a vital role in promoting food security, sustainable enterprise development, and employment generation. However, their growth is constrained by limited access to resources, price volatility, supply chain disruptions, regulatory complexities, technological limitations, and inadequate managerial capabilities. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated support from multiple stakeholders. This paper presents the initiative of the Central Mindanao University Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (CMU-ATBI), established through the support of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOSTPCAARRD), in fostering the growth and sustainability of agri-aqua startups. The CMU-ATBI provided incubation services to a diverse group of incubatees, including a cooperative, women's organizations, a farmers' association, and individual entrepreneurs. Through continuous capabilitybuilding programs, incubatees enhanced their entrepreneurial competencies, developed and submitted proposals for grant and loan funding, and gained recognition as resource persons in various technical and entrepreneurial forums. Product development assistance enabled incubatees to diversify their product offerings, resulting in increased revenue and improved market competitiveness. Furthermore, CMU-ATBI facilitated strategic partnerships between incubatees and higher education institutions across the region, strengthening collaboration through on-the-job training programs and knowledge exchange. The findings demonstrate that university-led technology business incubation can significantly enhance the capacity, innovation, and sustainability of agri-aqua enterprises, highlighting its role as an effective model for inclusive rural development and agricultural entrepreneurship.

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