Makerspace Innovhub OPC and WCC Aeronautical & Technological College (WCC-ATC) today (May 30, 2025) announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish a multifaceted strategic partnership. Makerspace Innovhub OPC, a premier regional technology incubator and innovation consultancy based in Mapandan, Pangasinan, is dedicated to empowering startups and developers with cutting-edge solutions in AI, web development, and decentralized technologies. It joins forces with WCC Aeronautical & Technological College, a leading Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-accredited educational institution with campuses in Binalonan, Pangasinan, and North Manila, renowned for its comprehensive aviation programs and an expanding curriculum in technology and engineering.
This strategic collaboration establishes a dynamic innovation hub designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, creating an environment where students can experiment, innovate, and transform ideas into viable ventures. The partnership’s primary goal is to launch a “Campus Garage,” a university-wide incubator that empowers student entrepreneurs from all academic disciplines—from engineering and IT to business and the arts—to build the companies of the future. This initiative directly supports the national strategic goal of cultivating robust regional innovation ecosystems and establishes a new center of gravity for student-led entrepreneurship in North Luzon.
Highlights of the Partnership / Key Partnership Pillars
The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, built upon several key pillars designed to create a sustainable and self-reinforcing innovation ecosystem.
- Establishment of the WCC-Makerspace Innovhub “Campus Garage“
At the heart of the partnership is the creation of a student-run business incubator, modeled after successful university startup hubs. The “Campus Garage” will serve as a dynamic, interdisciplinary center for all WCC-ATC students, providing the resources, community, and physical environment essential for entrepreneurial exploration and growth. It will be a dedicated space for students to develop and test new business concepts that address real-world needs.
- Cross-Disciplinary Entrepreneurial Education
The Campus Garage is designed for students from every major, recognizing that entrepreneurship thrives when paired with diverse passions and expertise. The program will employ “Lean Startup” methodologies and design thinking concepts through hands-on, project-based workshops, bootcamps, and for-credit courses. This allows student teams to identify unmet customer needs, design and prototype novel products or services, and develop viable business models.
- Mentorship, Community, and Networking
The partnership will cultivate a strong community of innovators, connecting student founders with a network of seasoned advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, faculty mentors, and industry professionals. This supportive ecosystem provides personalized guidance and fosters collaboration, allowing students to learn from experts and each other as they navigate the challenges of launching a new venture.
- Infrastructure for Innovation
A state-of-the-art facility will be established within the WCC-ATC Binalonan campus to serve as the physical hub for the Campus Garage. This co-branded space will feature co-working areas, conference rooms, and a maker space equipped with tools like 3D printers and design software to help students build prototypes, refine their products, and bring their ideas to life.
- Access to Seed Funding and Investment
The partnership will facilitate access to capital, a critical component for any startup. The Campus Garage will host regular pitch competitions and venture showcases, allowing student teams to compete for equity-free grants and seed funding to get their ideas off the ground. The program will also connect promising startups with a network of angel investors and venture capitalists to help secure the capital needed to launch and scale.
- Structured Talent Pipeline and Career Opportunities
Makerspace Innovhub will facilitate a structured internship program, placing high-performing WCC-ATC students within its network of incubated startups and corporate partners. This program creates a direct, merit-based pathway from education to high-value employment, directly addressing the talent-matching problem that often hinders the growth of regional startups and tech companies.
- Unwavering Commitment to Data Privacy and Ethical Standards
All collaborative activities, particularly those involving student data, joint research, and cybersecurity exercises, will strictly adhere to the principles and regulations of the Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Both organizations are committed to upholding global best practices in ethical technology development and data stewardship.
Executive Quotes
“The world’s most innovative companies often start with a simple idea in a garage. Our goal is to build that garage on campus—a space where students from any major can collaborate, experiment, and turn their passion into a viable business. Through this partnership, we are providing the tools, mentorship, and community to empower the next generation of Filipino founders, right here in North Luzon.” — Tzar T. Umang, Chief Technology Officer, Makerspace Innovhub OPC
“Our mission extends beyond traditional classroom learning. The Campus Garage provides an invaluable experiential education, teaching students how to identify real-world needs and build tangible solutions. This partnership with Makerspace Innovhub embeds an entrepreneurial mindset across our entire university, preparing all our students not just for jobs, but to create the jobs of the future.” — Raymond Patrick V. Guico, President, WCC Aeronautical & Technological College
Agreement Term
This landmark Memorandum of Agreement is established for a period of five years, effective upon signing, signifying a deep and sustained commitment from both institutions to cultivate a digitally empowered and innovative generation in the region.
About Makerspace Innovhub OPC
Makerspace Innovhub OPC is a leading technology incubator and innovation consultancy located in Mapandan, Pangasinan. With a mission to empower startups and developers, the organization provides cutting-edge training, development, and strategic solutions in web development, digital marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Web3/blockchain technologies. Through hands-on workshops, community events, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant regional tech ecosystem, Makerspace Innovhub is dedicated to turning innovative ideas into successful, real-world ventures.
About WCC Aeronautical & Technological College
WCC Aeronautical & Technological College (WCC-ATC) is one of Asia’s premier aviation-focused educational institutions, with campuses in Binalonan, Pangasinan, and North Manila. With full accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), WCC-ATC is committed to developing internationally qualified professionals. Beyond its renowned pilot and aircraft maintenance programs, the college offers a diverse range of baccalaureate degrees, including robust programs in Information Technology, Aeronautical Engineering, and Business Administration, all designed to produce highly competent, value-laden graduates who contribute to nation-building and global progress.
