By Monica Mabaylan-Ruiz, TPCO Technology Promotions Unit Manager
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and Bestfriend Goodies, Co. signed four (4) Technology Licensing Agreements for the adoption of food technologies developed by the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center (NMFIC). This endeavor is in line with USTP’s drive to push its innovations out of the laboratories and into the hands of industry partners through the process of technology transfer.
The four food technologies listed below will be included in the menu of food products of the Philippine Department of Education’s feeding program:
- Ready-to-Eat Mung Bean Based Food with Coconut Milk
- Ready-to-Cook Mixed Fruit with Coconut Milk
- Shelf-Stable Sweet Chocolate Rice (Oryza sativa) Porridge in Pouch
- Ready-to-Eat Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk
USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II and Bestfriend Goodies COO Nenita Tan during the signing of the Technology Licensing Agreement last July 16, 2021. The signing was witnessed by university officials and representatives from Bestfriend Goodies.
In her message, Bestfriend Goodies Chief Operating Officer Nenita Tan underscored the impact of technology transfer on society.
“We consider this achievement as a milestone in our journey symbolizing hope and promise for the nutrition of the future generation, the improvement in the lives of our fellow countrymen, and the recovery of our economy from this pandemic,” Tan added.
Currently, USTP and Bestfriend Goodies are in the pre-commercialization phase where training on material preparation and processing of products is conducted. Moreover, technical and consultancy services will be provided by USTP on the production, quality control, improvement, and packaging of the products for the entire duration of the licensing agreement.
The signing of the Technology Licensing Agreements is a significant milestone not only for the USTP community but for the whole research and innovation ecosystem in the region which represents a formidable base of support for the academe, industry, and community collaboration. Collectively, this is envisioned to leapfrog the University and the country’s goals toward socio-economic development. This landmark success is also seen as a trailblazing event that can stimulate and fortify collective efforts in providing value to society through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The technology transfer program of USTP is led by its Technology Promotions and Commercialization Office (TPCO) which has a two-fold mandate of protecting the University’s intellectual property and transferring its technologies for community or commercial use.
