Bridging the Here and Now to Tomorrow: BPSU commences the first day of the BRIE 2024

On November 19, 2024, the bustling Sari Gamit Covered Court at the BPSU Main Campus came alive on the first day of the BPSU Research and Innovation Exhibit 2024 (BRIE2024). This two-day event, held from November 19 to 20, carries the inspiring theme of “Building Socio-Economic Futures Through Research, Innovation, and Collaboration.” The exhibit proudly showcases intellectual property (IP)-registered technologies crafted by the talented BPSU Faculty, an affirmation of the University’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence that our Peninsulares can draw inspiration from.

The program opened with a heartfelt video message from University President Dr. Ruby B. Santos-Matibag, who warmly welcomed the participants and expressed her gratitude to the organizing team. Dr. Matibag highlighted the transformative role that research plays in the field of education, emphasizing its ability to encourage students to generate new ideas and broaden their perspectives.

Prof. Monica B. Tanchiatco-Hipolito, the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Technology Transfer, followed with an uplifting opening message, reflecting on the challenges posed by Typhoon Pepito and expressed her gratitude for the successful execution of the event with the joint efforts of all offices under the VPRET. Prof. Hipolito also shared an ambitious vision for BRIE2024, expressing her hopes for international collaboration and further startup involvement in future iterations of the event.

“Technology transfer bridges the academe and the industry,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of supporting startups and academic research as drivers of innovation and change.

She also welcomed  individuals among the attendees, such as Dr. Jonathan E. Lacayanga, Director for the Research and Development Office; Dr. John Ryan C. Dizon, Director for the Technology Entrepreneurship Transfer Office; Dr. Jocelyn F. Villanueva, Dean of the School of Nursing; Prof. Meyan Rose V. Malabanan, Associate Director of the College of Allied Health Sciences; and students from the School of Midwifery.

Additionally, Prof. Joerald M. Gadia, the Vice President for Student and Alumni Services, also conveyed his enthusiasm for the event. He highlighted the importance of breaking barriers between researchers and the broader community to elicit change, expressing his hopes for greater student collaboration in future exhibits and envisioning a partnership between students, faculty, and employees in research and product commercialization efforts.

Following these messages, the Technology Entrepreneurship and Transfer Office (TETO) provided a detailed overview of its services, achievements, and ongoing projects, with presentations being delivered by Dr. Eduardo S. Tinao, Manager for the Intellectual Property Unit (INPU); Ar. Abigail S. Cruz-Catapang, Manager for the Technology Transfer Unit (TETU); Ms. Andrea O. De Jesus; OIC Manager of the Technology Business Incubator (TBI); Engr. Karla Mae Tanagon, Project Leader of SINAG ATBI-DA; and Mr. Franceel Fernandez, SIKAT-TBI.

A panel discussion, themed “From Ideas to Start Up: From Lab to Market,” offered valuable insights into translating research into entrepreneurial ventures which was facilitated by Engr. Camay Y. Villeroz, Consultant for BPSU-TETO. The distinguished panel included Mr. Mark Colentava, VP for Product from Talino Lab Ventures; Mr. Abul Khayr Alonto II, Department Head of the Public-Private Partnership and Investment Center-Bataan; Ms. Stephanie Rose T. Basilio, Co-founder of Regen; Dr. Eduardo S. Tinao, Manager for INPU; and Mr. Vhernie De Lara, Chairperson for the Orani Peninsula Producers Cooperative. The panel offered their insights into the startup process, engaging in a fruitful discourse as to the state of Philippine innovation and the challenges that come with protecting intellectual property rights.

The afternoon then buzzed with energy as Peninsulares from various colleges explored the exhibits. Faculty members welcomed them warmly, showing off the exciting utility models and inventions made by the BPSU Faculty. Among the booths with posters of utilized researches are SINAG INCUBATEES, CRAABS, RICCS, DR3AM Team, OARDIC, Cashew, Bahay LIKHA ng Bataan, and the BS Architecture 2024 Theses Boards.

Workshops related to TETO were held at various venues across the Main Campus, including the Cashew Stakeholders Meeting led by the INPU at the DR3AM Center.  

On the 20th, Mr. Carlo San Pedro, a member of the DR3AM Center's technical staff, conducted a 3D Printing Crash Course for BS Architecture students. Simultaneously, Dr. Tinao and Ms. De Jesus facilitated an Intellectual Property Awareness Seminar for 275 students at the Sari Gamit Covered Court.

Overall, the BPSU Research and Innovation Exhibit 2024 was successful in showcasing the university's commitment to establishing an innovative mindset among its students while promoting an environment where research-driven entrepreneurship can flourish both within the academic setting and the broader community.