Strengthening Innovation: USTP’s Collaborative Learning Visit to UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Silicon Valley
By Kristine Jane M. Laid, USTP System STRATCOMM
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In a continued effort to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) participated in a series of visits to some of the world’s leading international innovation hubs. The destinations were the University of California (UC) Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Plug and Play at Silicon Valley. Dr. Lory Liza D. Bulay-og, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Venessa A. Garcia, Director of the Technology Promotions and Commercialization Office (TPCO), as USTP representatives, explored new opportunities for collaboration, research, and technology-driven entrepreneurship. The learning visits took place from December 12 to December 22, 2024.
UC Berkeley’s Innovation Leadership
Recognized as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, UC Berkeley hosted the prestigious SCET Collider Cup XV. This biannual event brings together cutting-edge solutions to global challenges such as disaster management, health, sustainability, and the future of work. Dr. Bulay-og and Dr. Garcia joined the event, which fostered “collisions” of interdisciplinary knowledge and creative thinking. The event also gave students a platform to pitch their startup ideas, showcasing the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology.
During the visit, the USTP delegates also toured the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) at UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Dai Hall. CITRIS, known for its research that drives societal and economic benefits through information technology, is a collaborative space for UC faculty, students, corporate partners, and international institutions. Dado Banatao, a key figure in implementing innovation programs at USTP, was also highlighted for his significant contributions, including sponsoring several benchmarks for USTP officials from California’s Silicon Valley in recent years.
Ms. Tamara Bock, CITRIS’s Senior Director of Development, and Ms. Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub, welcomed the USTP delegates. The discussion focused on potential joint programs, particularly in customized executive education for faculty and fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Plug and Play: A Global Innovation Powerhouse
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Plug and Play, a renowned global innovation platform based in the heart of Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale, California. Plug and Play supports over 6,000 startups and partners with more than 50 universities worldwide. With a focus on accelerating innovation, the company leads numerous activities, including summits and accelerator programs in collaboration with corporations, universities, and government institutions.
During their visit, Dr. Bulay-og and Dr. Garcia were welcomed by Mr. Wayne Soh, Vice President for Investments and Head of Plug and Play APAC in Singapore. Mr. Soh guided them through the company’s innovation spaces, where the immense potential for collaboration with USTP was evident. Discussions centered around opportunities in career development, industry connections, research, and grants. Plug and Play’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation inspired USTP, which is now looking to enhance its innovation facilities and programs.
UC San Diego: A Hub for Collaborative Innovation
Another significant stop for the USTP delegates was UC San Diego, where they were welcomed by Dr. Victoria Cajipe, Director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, some of UC San Diego’s officials, and Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa, Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation. They provided an in-depth overview of UC San Diego’s innovative programs and discussed areas for potential collaboration.
One of the most impactful moments of the visit was witnessing the success of Expost, a startup focused on recycling and upcycling lithium batteries. Dr. Bulay-og and Dr. Garcia toured the university’s operational facility, gaining valuable insights into the real-world applications of innovative technology. Additionally, USTP delegates had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Paul Roben, Associate Vice Chancellor, who introduced them to various startups, including Billion Labs. The startup has developed a smartphone-based blood pressure monitoring system using vibrometric force estimation, highlighting the creative solutions emerging from UC San Diego’s innovation ecosystem.
The Path Forward: Strengthening USTP’s Innovation Ecosystem
These visits underscore the importance of engaging with global institutions in innovation, which helps foster the skills and knowledge of USTP’s faculty, staff, and students. By building strong relationships with institutions like UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Plug and Play, USTP is well-positioned to enhance its innovation ecosystem and complement its high-quality education with innovative practices.
As the university continues to nurture an entrepreneurial culture, form industry-academic partnerships, and promote sustainable technology transfer, these international collaborations will serve as a cornerstone for USTP’s growth in the global innovation landscape. Through these partnerships, USTP aims to enhance its academic programs and empower its community to drive meaningful change and innovation in the Philippines and beyond.
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