Isabela State University (ISU), in partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation Philippines, officially launched the ISUPORTSS Academy for Mentors, a capacity-building initiative under the ISUPORTSS (Innovation Support for University Projects, Outcomes, and Resources for Thriving Student Startups) program. The launching and onsite monitoring is on October 16 to 17, 2025, which contributes to ISU’s mission in strengthening entrepreneurship education and faculty development.
Serving as the learning solutions provider, the Wadhwani Foundation collaborates with ISU to deliver a comprehensive hybrid learning experience designed to equip Entrepreneurship Education Mentors with the tools, skills, and strategies needed to guide student innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs. The training integrates face-to-face sessions, online coursework, and virtual coaching, ensuring flexibility and practical application.
Upon certification, the participating faculty members will become on-call startup coaches across the ISU system, providing mentorship and guidance to student-led startups in both curricular and co-curricular settings. This will further promote a culture of innovation and enterprise within the University’s academic environment.
The two-day training introduces participants to the vital connection between entrepreneurship pedagogy, research, and extension services. Faculty-mentors will undergo a series of ten core modules, covering the following:
- Problem Identification
- Customer Identification and Needs
- Solution and Idea Generation
- Opportunity and Competition Mapping
- Prototype Development and MVP
- Opportunity Assessment
- Business Modelling
- Market and Sales Strategy
- Financial Development for Profitability
- Team and Talent Requirements
The training also features Venture Idea and Pitch Readiness sessions and Venture Idea Feasibility Presentations, allowing participants to translate theoretical concepts into actionable startup plans.
In his message, Dr. Lucrecio Delgado, Jr. (Regional Director for SEA of Wadhwani Foundation) highlighted the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship on individual and community development. He emphasized that true entrepreneurship nurtures both dedication and dignity in serving one’s family and fellow Filipinos.
“You take on the mission that when you enter your classroom, you will inspire students to dream for the big dream, to push for it, and eventually launch startups that will create jobs,” Dr. Delgado said as he further encouraged the participating mentors to embrace their mission with passion and vision.
With the launch of the ISUPORTSS Academy for Mentors, ISU continues to expand its network of educators and innovators to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive regional and national progress.