IT Faculty Member Tops Wadhwani Foundation Venture Awards

The Wadhwani Foundation has named Mr. John Lloyd Rojo, a faculty member at Bukidnon State University’s College of Technologies – Information Technology Department, the Top 1 Outstanding Venture Awardee and a Fully Certified Entrepreneurship Educator during the WEN Ignite Program held June 10-19, 2025.

Rojo was recognized for BXSafety, a venture he developed during the program that focuses on campus safety and was cited for its scalability, social impact, and local relevance.

The “Top Outstanding Venture Awardee” recognition is given to individuals or teams who demonstrate entrepreneurial potential and results through the foundation’s programs.

“It feels good that the efforts I’ve invested during this training are recognized, and it’s motivating to keep improving, not just as a faculty, but also as a long time learner too,” Rojo said.

The event honored 47 faculty members from across the country who completed the program, which trains educators in innovation, startup thinking, and venture-based teaching to incorporate entrepreneurship into classroom instruction.

According to Rojo, combining technology and entrepreneurship in teaching helps prepare students for industry and innovation. “It inspires me to integrate more innovative, real-world approaches into my teaching — especially for BSIT and BSEMC-DAT students — so they can build practical skills and cultivate a technopreneurship mindset, empowering them to one day launch their own startup,” he said.

Other participants in the Wadhwani Foundation’s Faculty Development Program from BukSU were College of Business instructors Jona Celle Bustamante, recognized as a Fully Certified Entrepreneurship Educator; and Dr. Regie C. Medidas and Samantha O. Vega, who both earned Applied Proficiency in Entrepreneurship Education. (Louie Jay S. Labastida/ IT Department Faculty Member)