WVSU student leads biotech startup to national pitch podium

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

An Ilonggo student innovator from West Visayas State University has earned national recognition after leading a biotechnology startup focused on sustainable marine biomaterials and biodegradable technologies to a podium finish at a national startup pitching competition.

Sheenlou Eian M. Bartolome, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student from the College of Arts and Sciences of West Visayas State University – Main Campus, led CARBNØ Biotech to secure the First Runner-Up title in the College Category of DisruptorX 2026.

The national startup pitching competition was held on May 25, 2026, at Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

Out of 305 applicants nationwide, CARBNØ Biotech advanced through a rigorous selection process to become one of the Top 10 National Finalists before emerging among the winning teams during the National Demo Day.

The competition gathered some of the country’s most promising student entrepreneurs, startup founders, researchers, and innovators.

DisruptorX was 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.

The platform supports breakthrough innovations addressing real-world challenges through science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

For Bartolome, the achievement represents more than a competition victory.

“It demonstrates that student-led scientific innovations from Western Visayas can compete on a national stage and contribute meaningful solutions to global environmental challenges,” he said.

Founded by Bartolome, CARBNØ Biotech is committed to accelerating the transition toward a plastic-free and regenerative future.

The company focuses on engineering science-backed marine biomaterials into intelligent and high-performance biodegradable products capable of replacing conventional plastic-based alternatives.

While biodegradable products have become increasingly common in recent years, Bartolome believes sustainability innovation must move beyond simple plastic substitution.

“Today, a biodegradable straw alone is no longer innovation—it is the baseline. The future lies in intelligent biomaterials capable of delivering additional environmental and functional value while remaining sustainable throughout their lifecycle,” he explained.

At the center of the startup’s research and development efforts is the integration of marine-derived and bioengineered materials into multifunctional biopolymer systems.

CARBNØ Biotech is currently developing what it describes as the world’s first bioactive intelligent marine-derived biodegradable straw, a next-generation biomaterial platform.

The innovation aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

The startup’s long-term vision is to pioneer intelligent marine biomaterials that redefine sustainability through biotechnology, materials science, and regenerative innovation.

Its mission is to accelerate the transition toward a plastic-free future by transforming scientific research into scalable technologies that create measurable environmental impact.

The recognition marks a milestone for CARBNØ Biotech and for the growing innovation ecosystem in Iloilo and Western Visayas, where young scientists and entrepreneurs are increasingly translating academic research into solutions with commercial and societal value.

Bartolome hopes the achievement will inspire more young Filipinos, particularly students in the sciences, to pursue research-driven innovation and help solve the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Bartolome serves as founder and chief executive officer of CARBNØ Biotech.