5 Rising Entrepreneurs Clinch Top Spot in Project Excel 2025 Competition

Out of hundreds of entries representing universities across Indonesia and the Philippines, Team SOBEAR from the University of Mindanao emerged victorious in a highly competitive international pitch competition, progressing to the Top 10, then the Top 5, and ultimately securing the first spot.

Guided by Dr. Reil S. Romero, Program Head of Business Entrepreneurship, the team demonstrated outstanding innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial acumen. Their winning pitch earned them a USD 500 seed fund, comprehensive certificates of recognition, and exclusive exchange student opportunities designed to further develop their project and broaden their global exposure.

Representing the A.Y.E. initiative, Team SOBEAR is composed of five dynamic students:
Marco B. Diaz, George U. Gelbulingo Jr., Ashley Vinary Dancel, Karl Louie Baldo, and Anna Micailla Luna. These emerging entrepreneurs have brought pride to the institution and to the Philippines by excelling on an international platform.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, this achievement underscores the university’s commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality learning experiences that empower young leaders to create meaningful, sustainable impact on a global scale.

The competition was held under Project EXCEL 2025, a regional initiative supported by YSEALI, Fulbright, and other respected global partners, all working to foster youth empowerment and innovation across Southeast Asia.