USTP co-hosts DOST-PCIEERD 8th TBI Summit 2024

By Roque P. Bermudez and Randulf C. Doria, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) proudly served as one of the official partners and co-hosts of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development’s (DOST-PCIEERD) 8th Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Summit 2024. The three-day conference took place across various venues: Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort on November 25, Limketkai Luxe Hotel on November 26, and Cove Garden Resort on November 27, 2024.

The summit aimed to bring together DOST-funded agencies, startups, innovators, private sector representatives, and technology incubators to foster networks, partnerships, and collaborations through workshops and learning sessions.

Pre-Event Workshop | November 25, 2024 | Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort

The summit commenced with a pre-event workshop attended by international delegates, primarily from Singapore. The first keynote speaker, Engr. Andy Wee, Principal Consultant Associate of BLUC53, shared his company’s insights on driving innovation and growth, emphasizing business venture scoping and value capture.

Representing Region X, this year’s summit included participants from 59 state universities across Regions I to XIII and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Mr. Allan O. Gozon, Country Co-Head of BLUC53, delivered a session on talent management, underscoring that a strong team is an invaluable asset. Meanwhile, Engr. Michael Tan, Principal Consultant of BLUC53, provided insights into the future of startups.

The day concluded with team-building activities and a Fellowship Night, fostering camaraderie and partnerships among participants.

TBI Summit Main Event | November 26, 2024 | Limketkai Luxe Hotel

The second day of the summit at Limketkai Luxe Hotel featured a dynamic agenda, including discussions, collaborative activities, and signing strategic agreements. These agreements are set to significantly strengthen the Philippine innovation landscape, fostering a more robust and interconnected ecosystem.

Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, USTP System President, delivered a welcome message and formally inaugurated the summit. He emphasized that collaboration is crucial for sustainable development and resilience.

One of the event highlights was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BLUC53, a Singapore-based accelerator, and DOST-PCIEERD. This partnership is a significant step in advancing the Philippine startup ecosystem, aiming to strengthen TBIs through capacity-building initiatives, expand global market access, and connect startups to the international innovation ecosystem.

Panel discussions covered critical topics, including scaling startups, sustainability, and navigating technology commercialization challenges. These sessions offered actionable strategies and valuable insights for TBI members.

Keynote presentations also explored emerging themes, such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the evolving role of TBIs in driving social and economic development. Speakers emphasized agility, collaboration, and forward-thinking approaches in fostering innovation-driven enterprises.

Day 2 of the summit underscored the importance of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and innovative strategies in building a resilient innovation ecosystem.

Culmination and Fellowship Day | November 27, 2024 | Cove Garden Resort

The final day at Cove Garden Resort featured the launch of the LAKAS RESEED PORTAL, a platform for TBI members to track their startups’ progress. The portal aims to consolidate projects, streamline strategies, and provide direction for TBI initiatives.

An interactive session allowed participants to suggest parameters and processes to enhance the portal’s efficiency and usability.

This year’s TBI Summit showcased USTP’s unwavering support for entrepreneurial innovation and technology, emphasizing partnerships and collaboration while reaffirming its commitment to advancing the science and technology sector in the Philippines.

The 8th TBI Summit was organized by DOST-PCIEERD.