Manila, July 18, 2018 — The Innovation Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) recently teamed up with the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program of USAID Philippines through an industry-academe mixer for around 50 participants consisting of academe researchers and industry representatives.
Establishing the fusion of science research and business
With the goal to create a progressive S&T industry in the country, the activity aims to bridge the gap between the academe and the industry by bringing them together to discuss the latest research findings, updates, and technological trends in their respective fields.
DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Engr. Raul C. Sabularse opened the program as he welcomed the guests and recapped the technology transfer efforts of the Council including its collaboration with STRIDE. Sherwin Nones from Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. also spoke during the program, as well as Rodel Anunciado from ACTICon, shedding light on the modern-day Filipino innovation scene and the vital market elements that apply for universities and companies alike. This was followed by a panel discussion and open forum with Nones, joined by Diane Eustaqio from IdeaSpace, Al Serafica from Xylos Corporation, and Henry Siy from Chemrex Technologies Inc.
Establishing relationships, made easier
The main highlight of the program was the industry-academe mixer activity wherein the participants from the academe were encouraged to pitch their projects and propose technologies to prospective industry partners. Dubbed as a “speed dating” type of activity, researchers were matched with their corresponding industry counterparts, and were allowed a total of a few minutes to concisely pitch their current works from one industry counterpart to another.
Allowing all participants to interact with each other throughout the activity, this activity also helped disrupt the usual way that companies, organizations, and universities communicate. Thus, building their networks and establishing their linkages in a more interesting and interactive way.
The program was concluded by DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Guevarra, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and PCIEERD’s objective to solidify and establish the research community’s entrepreneurial abilities. Usec. Guevarra also emphasized how the event aims to bring both the industry and the academe together to “spread entrepreneurship in research and infuse science in business.”
STRIDE is a project of USAID Philippines that aims to build a network of researchers among universities, private companies, entrepreneurs, and investors who strive for innovation. Over the years, DOST-PCIEERD has been a partner of STRIDE in strengthening this objective among Filipino researchers.
