By PJ V. dela Peña, USTP System STRATCOMM
The summit is organized by DOST-X, NorMinCIEERD, OROBEST Innovation Program and Oro Chamber
October 29, 2021. The Cagayan de Oro Business Incubation Technology Entrepreneurship and Startups (CDObites) and the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center (NMFIC) of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) were featured in the 1st Regional Innovation Summit hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-X), Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIEERD), OROBEST Innovation Program, and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation (Oro Chamber).
The summit highlights the innovation hubs, innovation centers, and research centers in the region. It aims to support and assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing, upscaling and expanding their businesses through science and technology. It also highlighted the success stories and significant roles of the government agencies and academic institutions.
Engr. Bronson Mabulay, OIC of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation of USTP CDO, and Dr. Therese June Aranas, Manager of the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center, were among the resource persons in the summit.
Engr. Bronson Mabulay, OIC of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation of USTP Cagayan de Oro, presented the CDObites experience and its eventual take-off in 2016. The incubation program has banner programs from testing ideas and mentoring from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs to launching their company and presenting it to investors and potential partners. CDObites is also hosting webinars, meet-ups, and roadshows to spread awareness about startups. The incubation program is also the 2020 PCIEERD Kabalikat University TBI Awardee. The award is given to a university-based Technology Based Incubator (TBI) that has contributed to its community and its region by becoming the center of innovation.
Engr. Mabulay also gave a talk about the newly established Metal and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) at the University.
USTP System President and NORMINCIEERD Chairperson Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II gave the closing remarks
Dr. Therese June Aranas, Manager of the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center, talked about the development to commercialization of local products. Among the notable achievements of the NMFIC include the technology transfers of ready-to-eat products from Best Friend Goodies and the Shelf Stable Giant Bamboo Shoots in Brine for the Manolo Fortich Women’s Association.
