猫咪AV

Mindanaoan innovators showcase startups at the DOST Zonal Conference

by Norol-huda M. Boransing, OfCom | Mar 19 2025

Mindanaoan innovators successfully showcased their startups during the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zonal Conference at the MSU-IIT on March 14, 2025. 

The conference, with the theme “Providing Solutions, Opening Opportunities,” launched the PROPEL Program, which serves as the commercialization hub of startups and other market-ready innovations of Filipino researchers. The program aims to help researchers, inventors, S&T entrepreneurs, startups, business developers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMes) have a platform to develop their products, transform their innovations into enterprise, and commercialize them. 

Among the highlights of the conference was an exhibit of the various products from research studies supported by the DOST. 

InfraspeX, founded by Prof. Carl John Salaan, faculty member of the MSU-IIT, is a startup company that mothered the Shelled Unmanned Automatic Vehicle (UAV) project. Developed at MSU-IIT, the UAV focused on structural health monitoring– tasked to inspect, in close proximity, high-rise infrastructure like bridges. 

The technology is also equipped with advanced drones, AI-powered systems, and a user-friendly platform, providing real-time analysis and inspections for improved monitoring of infrastructure. Given the risk of falls and other hazards associated with high-risk scaffolding for structural health monitoring, the shelled UAV offers faster, more secure, and more efficient inspections. 

The startup project has also expanded and now includes road inspections as a key focus. Through its hardware technologies such as the shelled UAV that has a rotating protective shell and waterproof design; drone equipped with extended camera which is vital for hard-to-access infrastructure; aerial-based 3D mapping which creates detailed 3-D models that help in structural monitoring and assessment; and 2D LiDAR that aid in road depth measurement, data are analyzed using AI, and acquired data, through InfraspeX software app, are reviewed and assessed by inspectors.

Another startup present in the exhibit was the SariSari– an indoor green furniture that offers a sustainable and accessible way of growing leafy greens and herbs. The SariSari, which was created by a group of MSU-IIT students, alumni and partners, combines hydroponics and Internet-of-Things which offers a smart farming system that contributes to sustainable agriculture, long-term farming efficiency and profitability, and reduced resource consumption. 

The exhibit also featured products and innovations from different parts of Mindanao, highlighting locally-made consumables. Among them was Bencals Food Products, a Bukidnon-based business that produces various items from single-origin cacao. Their products include tableya, cacao powder, butter, nibs, and chocolates. 

Another featured product was the Nutri Chicharon from Claveria Misamis Oriental, a nutritious snack made from green leafy vegetables. The guilt-free snack, made from organic products, sources its ingredients locally from farmers in the community. 

Another product from Bukidnon, the Kape Lumad, showcased the rich coffee culture of the region. Their coffee products, sourced from small-scale farmers in Bukidnon, promote sustainable farming and support the lumad people. 

Also present in the exhibit was the POLLD Emergency System Corporation, featuring its WERT server—an emergency communication system that facilitates emergency monitoring and response by connecting with first responders during emergencies and disasters. The server provides real-time alerts to nearest responders, logs precise addresses, and ensures functionality even for offline use. 

Another digital innovation on display was XAPS, a smart business card that allows users to instantly share contact details, social media links, and other details with a single tap—no apps or scanners required. The digital solution promotes a modern, fast, and sustainable way to network with people. 

From advanced technology to use of AI, the exhibit highlighted innovations that promote sustainability, resilience, and a smarter Philippines. 

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