猫咪AV

Bridging innovation and commercialization discussed in DOST鈥檚 PROPEL at MSU-IIT

by Kassandra A. Buenafe, OfCom | Mar 17 2025

MSU-IIT strengthens its commitment to becoming a space for science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to thrive by hosting the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Zonal Conference on PROPEL and Other Flagship Projects on March 14 at the University Gymnasium where discussions focused on the importance of bridging innovation and commercialization.

Designed as a springboard for Filipino innovators to put their technological inventions to both local and global markets, this Zonal Conference for Regions 9 and 10 saw participants coming from government, academia, industry, and private enterprises, including MSU-IIT innovators and entrepreneurs. Some of them were able to showcase their inventions and products at the gymnasium. 

Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan welcomed everyone to the event and emphasized the importance of collaboration to expand possibilities in technological innovations. “Today’s conference is a testament to our collective commitment to transforming ideas into actionable solutions,” the Chancellor said. 

During the conference, the PROPEL program was introduced to the participants. According to DOST, the program brings together the department’s resources, services, and facilities into a strategic platform designed to empower Filipino innovators. It aims to connect pioneering research with market-ready solutions, enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine innovations.

Two other flagship projects, STI4SDGs (Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals) and Pagtanaw 2050, were also presented. PAGTANAW 2050 is the first DOST-supported interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiative focused on Philippine STI Foresight and Strategic Planning, aiming to shape the aspirations of the Filipino people by 2050.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. served as the keynote speaker of the conference, where he talked about the four pillars of DOST—(1) promotion of human well-being, (2) fostering wealth creation, (3) reinforcing wealth protection, and (4) institutionalizing sustainability—crafted to serve as a guide in supporting the socio-economic growth and development in the country. By spotlighting science, technology, and innovation, Dr. Solidum professed that this will strengthen societal advancement and national resilience. 

The keynote speaker also highlighted that the introduction of PROPEL and the two other flagship projects to Mindanao is a milestone for DOST as they reaffirm their commitment to establishing a thriving Philippines.

“Our STI for SDGs initiative demonstrates that science and technology are indispensable for addressing the country’s most pressing challenges—from poverty alleviation and food security to clean energy and climate resilience…With Pagtanaw 2050, we will transform our visionary propositions on the Blue Economy; Food Security and Nutrition; Energy; Water; Shelter, Transportation, and Other Infrastructure; and Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Resilience into the Science and Technology Foresight Training Series,” the DOST Secretary said. 

Dr. Solidum furthered his speech by explaining the significance of this conference’s highlight, the Program PROPEL, which according to him “..embodies a strategic shift, focusing not just on the development of science-based technology solutions but on ensuring these solutions reach their end-users, discover and transform markets, and create tangible impacts both locally and globally.” 

Following the keynote address, Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., Ph.D., DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization, presented the DOST Tech Transfer and Commercialization Programs where he shared stories of innovation and the importance of identifying gaps, providing solutions, integrating them into the market.

The morning activity ended with a Q&A session, followed by a photo opportunity for everyone who attended. 

In the afternoon, keynote presentations, workshop, and a Q&A on semiconductors and artificial intelligence were held. These two fields, integral foundations in shaping technology, industry, and innovation, were discussed by speakers, Mr. Glenn Quiro, Technology Advocate, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI) and Former General Manager, Intel Shenzhen and Shanghai, and Dr. John Anthony Jose – Associate Professor, De La Salle University.

With PROPEL serving as a launchpad for entrepreneurial university-based scientists, non-university, and independent S&T innovators, providing comprehensive entrepreneurial support, the intersection of Filipino innovation and industry advancement is destined to drive significant economic growth and technological progress.

Topics :