Two teams from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) of Saint Louis University (SLU), Sprout n’ Scoops and KASAMA, secured top awards at the 20th Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA) held on 22 September 2026, in McKinley, Taguig City.
Following their success, Sprouts n’ Scoops and KASAMA will receive their awards during the BIDA awarding ceremony on 14 October 2026 at The Manila Hotel during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo.
Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the competition carried the theme “Nurturing Young Innovators, Building Tomorrow’s Sustainable Enterprises,” bringing together students with innovative ideas from institutions across the country.
Sprout n’ Scoops emerged as the Champion in the Food Category. The team is composed of Jenna Faye B. Valenzuela, Elron Jelou A. Santiago, Alexa André B. Herrera, Adrienne De Vera, and Jirah C. Fonacier.
Sprout n’ Scoops is a food-based business concept focused on leveraging food processing technology to upcycle volatile crops such as, but not limited to, pechay, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and chayote into high-value desserts. This strategic intervention intends to help stabilize fluctuating farm yields by establishing an immediate, secondary market for perishable biomass before spoilage or quality degradation occurs.
Through its concept, the team demonstrates how food innovation can respond to consumer needs while creating opportunities for sustainable enterprise. The business supports SDG 4: Quality Education: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate action, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Meanwhile, KASAMA secured First Place in the Service Category. The team is composed of Loveleiy Cayabyab, Bryan Carl Henry Caron, Mark Andrei Ilumin, Ardel Jehu Dadd, and Yeshua Isaac Perez.
KASAMA is an elderly companion and support service designed to help senior citizens live safely, comfortably, and actively within their communities. Through home-based care, transportation, leisure activities, and faith and fellowship programs, KASAMA promotes independence, social connection, and overall well-being among older adults while giving families greater peace of mind.
KASAMA’s business concept contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by helping seniors remain connected to their communities and essential services.
Behind the success of both ventures were faculty mentors April Gumnad, PhD, Mr. Karlo Dacanay, and Mr. Jordan Tangonan who provided hands-on leadership, rigorous strategic feedback, and continuous guidance.
This national recognition reflects SLU’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation and enterprise. Driven by dedicated faculty mentorship and the collaborative strengths of Accountancy, Marketing Management, and Entrepreneurship students, SAMCIS continues to prove that student-led ideas can deliver tangible solutions on the national stage. (Article and Photos by: SAMCIS)
