NDMU Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Innovation at PowerUp Connect: Web3 and Game Development

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) joined innovators, educators, and industry experts at the PowerUp Connect: Knowledge Exchange on Web3 and Game Development, held at Q Citipark Hotel, General Santos City. The event was part of the Startup Innovation Consortium to Accelerate Development in SOCCSKSARGEN, organized in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Region XII (DOST XII).

NDMU’s participation reaffirms the university’s commitment to advancing digital transformation in education and research, particularly in emerging fields such as blockchain, Web3, and game development.

Expanding Horizons in Web3 and Game Development

The program featured a diverse line-up of resource persons who provided valuable insights into the fast-evolving digital landscape:

• Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, Regional Director of DOST XII, officially opened the event with remarks on innovation as a driver of regional growth.

• Mr. Del Iglesia (Cinco Publishing Inc.) delivered a primer on Web3 Overview, setting the stage for discussions on decentralized technologies.

• Prof. Sam Lanfranco of York University, Canada, shared his expertise on The Evolution of the Internet Ecosystem—from IP protocols to Web3—highlighting tokenomics, stakeholder rights, and digital responsibilities.

• Mr. Himanshu Agarwal, Web3 Growth Specialist at Disscordify, explored Blockchain, Hashgraph, and Web3 Tools as practical enablers of the decentralized economy.

• Game developers Mr. Igor Grigoryev (Cinco Publishing Inc.), Mr. Basile Masson (Legends of the Past), and Mr. Patrick de Grijs (Earthlings.land) shared their Game Development Journey, offering participants a closer look at projects bridging culture, creativity, and technology.

  
  

The event concluded with an open forum, networking luncheon, MOU signing, and press conference, further strengthening partnerships among the academe, government, and industry.

NDMU’s Role in the Innovation Ecosystem

By attending PowerUp Connect, NDMU positions itself as a key academic player in the SOCCSKSARGEN innovation ecosystem. The university continues to explore how Web3 and game development can be integrated into academic programs, research initiatives, and student opportunities.

Participation in the event also aligns with NDMU’s long-term vision of producing graduates who are globally competitive, technologically adept, and capable of contributing to digital innovation at both local and international levels.