‘Kalinga’ Technology Business Incubator: Could it be the hope of employment, start-ups and business growth in the province?

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In a push to drive job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and fuel local innovation in the province, the Kalinga State University (KSU) in partnership with Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development launched its ‘kalinga’ Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Hub on September 18, 2025 at the KSU Technology and Innovation Building in Bulanao.

Said hub, according to the KSU, aims to support startups, student entrepreneurs, and researchers by providing mentorship, technical help, and shared workspaces, fostering local innovation and sustainable business growth.

KSU TBIC Director Eric Paloy said that the incubator is named Kalinga, as is with the Tagalog word, symbolizing care for the iKalinga people, their products, entrepreneurs, and cultural heritage.

Paloy added that the initiative was chosen to reflect a community rooted in tradition and open to innovation, blending local wisdom with modern science.

“We don’t have a specific name for this technology business incubator gaya ng iba, pero si ‘kalinga’ we pronounce it as kalinga—caring for the iKalinga people; not Kalinga—the way we pronounce our province. But it’s up to you on how you pronounce it kasi iisa lang naman ang ibig sabihin—it’s a care for the Kalinga people; for the products, the entrepreneurs and for the cultural heritage of Kalinga business,” he said.

Through kalinga, Paloy expounded that ideas from students and farmers are nurtured into innovations that strengthen local businesses, improve livelihoods, and impact the Cordillera region— rooted in culture but open to innovation, adding that Kalinga is the bridge between tradition and technology.

“…because it speaks of who we are. We call it our kalinga for Kalinga. We are people rooted in land and culture yet ready to embrace ideas and innovations. So kalinga is the bridge—it collects tradition and technology, local wisdom and modern science,” the KSU Director added.

Through the program, startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and even farmers will receive support and mentorship to help their projects grow.