USTP champions innovation and collaboration at First Technology Transfer Conference
By Roque P. Bermudez, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The Technology Promotions and Commercialization Office (TPCO) of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) System proudly hosted the inaugural 2025 Technology Transfer Conference (TTC) at Chali Beach Resort in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City on February 7, 2025. Centered on the theme “Empowering Regional Innovation: Bridging Research, Industry, and Society for Smart Futures,” the conference aimed to strengthen collaboration between key stakeholders in research and commercialization.
The event brought together industry experts, academic leaders, government representatives, entrepreneurs, international stakeholders, investors, mentors, and representatives from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Mindanao. It facilitated strategic networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration through engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and discussions. These efforts are expected to contribute to a roadmap that effectively bridges research with industrial applications, fostering innovation in Region 10.
Strengthening Academe-Industry Partnerships
Atty. Dionel O. Albina, Chancellor of USTP Cagayan de Oro, officially welcomed the participants and guests, emphasizing the vital partnership between academia and industry. He extended an open invitation for further collaboration to strengthen support for innovation.
USTP Cagayan de Oro Chancellor Atty. Dionel O. Albina
USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II delivered the inaugural message, highlighting the university’s commitment to economic growth through innovation. “As an academic institution, we transform to empower communities and strive for economic growth. This conference is a movement to commit to that vision that by working together, we can have a turning point for industry, turning Region 10 to be the center of innovation – generating the most start-ups in the country. Let’s reform our commitment to cultivate a smart future and drive progress,” he stated.
USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II
Several distinguished guests and international stakeholders graced the event, presenting their speeches and sharing their valuable insights on the scope of research, industry development, and regional innovation, which made the event a success.
From Ideas to Impact: Transforming Thought into Action
- Keynote Speech 1: Establishing and Strengthening Technology Transfer Offices to Accelerate Industry-Academia Collaboration Across Borders
Mr. Chalermpol Tuchinda, MD, MBA, Chairperson of the AUTM ASEAN Committee in Thailand, shared insights on the significance of technology transfer in fostering innovation within institutions and industries.
- Keynote Speech 2: Global Innovation Synergies: Leveraging IP and Technology Transfer for Cross-Border Competitiveness
Atty. Ann Claire C. Cabochan, Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, discussed how technology transfer serves as a key tool in making the Philippines an innovation hub.
Mr. Chalermpol Tuchinda, MD, MBA (right) and Atty. Ann Claire C. Cabochan (left)
- Building a Successful Career in Technology Transfer: Shaping the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Atty. Christopher E. Cruz, Director of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Intellectual Property Office, emphasized the importance of turning research outputs into economic assets, positioning technology transfer as a viable career path.
- Innovation Hubs to Economic Powerhouses: Catalyzing Philippine Universities, RDIs, and Industry for National Growth
Mr. Dindo O. Dumali, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist II at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, discussed the role of institutions in driving innovation hubs.
Atty. Martina Martin Marte, Attorney III and Director at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, highlighted the crucial role of Innovation & Technology Support Offices (ITSOs), industries, and government institutions in fostering a culture of inclusive innovation.
- From R&D to Commercialization: A Quick Guide to Enable Technology Transfer
Ms. Rusell M. Pili, Chief Science Research Specialist and Chief Technology Transfer Officer of the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), stressed how universities could significantly contribute to national development by producing more research-driven innovations.
Atty. Christopher E. Cruz (upper right), Mr. Dindo O. Dumali (lower right), Atty. Martina Martin Marte (upper left), and Ms. Rusell M. Pili (lower left)
Pitch presentations were also delivered by participating SUCs, including USTP, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Caraga State University (CSU), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
From Seed to Success: A Journey of Business Growth
- USTP Trailblazer Tales: The Pioneering Commercialization of Best Friend Goodies (BFG)
Ms. Rhea Suzette M. Haguisan, Manager of USTP TPCO’s Business Management Unit, shared the inspiring journey of BFG, which empowers women through innovation, creating employment and productivity opportunities.
- Unlocking the Benefits of Technology Transfer for Innovation and Industry Growth in the Philippines
Mr. Jose Avelino “Jojo” Flores, Co-Founder of Plug & Play, recounted the journey of Plug & Play from a local business to an internationally recognized start-up accelerator supporting companies like PayPal and Dropbox.
- Transforming Ideas into Impact: The Development Potential of IP and Technology Transfer
Mr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia, DPM, CESE, Vice President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Mindanao, emphasized the importance of addressing community needs in start-up development for sustainable and impactful innovation.
Ms. Rhea Suzette M. Haguisan (upper right), Mr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia, DPM, CESE (upper left), and Mr. Jose Avelino “Jojo” Flores, Co-Founder of Plug & Play (bottom)
Establishing Partnerships: MOUs and MOAs for Collaborative Progress
A major highlight of the event was the official oathtaking of new members of the Alliance of TechTransfer Professionals of the Philippines (AToP). Additionally, several partnerships were formalized through:
- A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Plug & Play
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Student Start-Up Fund worth ₱100,000.00
- The Commercialization of RSPOT Solutions Inc.
- A Partners’ Commitment Signing, which solidified collaborations between government agencies, private businesses, and SUCs.
Support messages were also delivered by key government officials, including:
- Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 10 (DOST-X)
- Ms. Almer R. Masillones, Officer-In-Charge and Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-X)
Co-hosting SUC Presidents Dr. Madeline S. Dumadaan (BukSU), Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil (CSU), and Dr. Rolito G. Eballe (CMU) emphasized the conference’s significance in strengthening academe-industry collaboration for regional innovation.
A Vision for Sustainable Innovation
Dr. Renato O. Arazo, Chancellor of USTP Claveria, delivered the closing address, highlighting the success of TTC 2025 in reinforcing USTP’s leadership as a premier science and technology institution in Mindanao.
USTP Claveria Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo
Overall, the conference brought together diverse stakeholders committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive regional innovation ecosystem. Through engaging discussions and strategic partnerships, TTC 2025 significantly contributes to advancing emerging technologies and sustainable development, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.
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