A West Visayas State University student entrepreneur secured national recognition after leading a biotechnology startup to a podium finish in a nationwide innovation competition focused on sustainable technologies.

Sheenlou Eian M. Bartolome, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student from the College of Arts and Sciences, was named First Runner-Up in the College Category of DisruptorX 2026 held May 25 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

Representing CARBNØ Biotech, a student-led startup incubated under the Business Incubator Nurturing Home-Grown Innovations (BINHI) Technology Business Incubator, Bartolome competed against hundreds of student innovators, researchers, and startup founders from across the country.

The competition, organized by Serial Disruptors in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Oro Trade and Investment Promotion Center, serves as a national platform for technology-driven solutions addressing societal and environmental challenges.

From 305 applicants nationwide, CARBNØ Biotech advanced to the Top 10 National Finalists before earning the First Runner-Up distinction during the National Demo Day.

The startup presented a biotechnology-based innovation that utilizes marine-derived biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. The technology integrates biodegradable materials into functional systems designed to support environmental sustainability while advancing developments in materials science and applied chemistry.

Bartolome said the recognition highlights the potential of student-led scientific innovation to address pressing environmental concerns through research and technology.

The project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and life below water.

The achievement underscores WVSU’s continuing commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by empowering students to transform scientific knowledge into solutions with real-world impact.

Through initiatives such as BINHI, the University continues to cultivate innovators whose work contributes to sustainable development and strengthens the role of higher education institutions in advancing science-based solutions for local and global challenges.