The Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) advocated for innovation in the TechnOlympics 2023 held at the Cultural Center of Laguna, Provincial Capitol Ground, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Nov. 29.

With this year’s theme of “Unleash Your Innovations for a Better Tomorrow,” the event aimed to celebrate technology development and product innovation among faculty and students of LSPU and incubatees composed of start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

Spearheaded by the LSPU Agriculture Aquaculture Business Incubator (ATBI), the 2nd TechnOlympics is a collaborative program of the Center for Innovation and Emerging Technologies (CIET), Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM), and Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO).

The event is also a manifestation of the commitment of LSPU through the collaborating units to nurture start-ups in producing technology-based enterprises.

Philippine Innovation

In her keynote speech, Ms. Rogerine Miguel-Irvine, Chief for Strategic Policy and Innovations, highlighted the importance of technopreneurs in advancing the status of the Philippines.

"At the heart of the innovation process is the entrepreneur," stated Ms. Irvine. "Kayo po ang sentro ng mismong innovation ecosystem framework... Kayo po ang pag-asa ng bayan."

Ms. Irvine also pointed out the opportunities that can further strengthen innovation in the country.

"We need more investment in innovation initiatives...more incubatees, more startups that help improve the Filipinos' quality of life." shared Ms. Irvine, citing the Philippines at the middle rank of the innovation index among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN).

She encouraged the participating students, faculty, and local incubators to push for innovation wherever they may go.

"When you enter the workforce or you have your own companies," Ms. Irvine reminded them, "don't forget to advocate for change and innovations. Wherever you go, take the Philippines with you."

Celebration and Collaboration

The one-day event is jammed packed with activities composed of opening program, launching of Tindahan ni Mang Piyu, ribbon cutting, tour of the exhibit, live business pitching, signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the morning session; and gallery walk, elevator pitches, and awarding and closing ceremony for the afternoon session.

Innovation champions from LSPU, partners, and collaborators delivered their message of support for the event such as Dr. Mario R. Briones, LSPU President; Dr. Robert C. Agatep, Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE); Atty. Rushid Jay S. Sancon, Campus Director of LSPU-Siniloan Campus; Pinky A. Villasenor, representative of Governor Ramil Hernandez; and Dr. Juanito Batalon, Deputy Director for Research and Development of DOST-PCAARRD.    

Exhibits and Recognitions

Twenty booths with approximately 35 exhibitors composed of inwall incubatees, outwall incubatees, and colleges took part in showcasing their technologies and products for the gallery and contests, the winners of which are as follows:   

Major Awards:

Overall Category

Grand Champion: College of Engineering (Plaque of Recognition and 15,000.00)

1st Runner up: Lianca Fruit Food Manufacturing Company (Plaque of Recognition and 10,000.00)

2nd Runner up: College of Arts and Sciences (Plaque of Recognition and 5,000.00)

Minor Awards:

Incubatee Category:

Best Christmas Package: DerickRose Food Products Manufacturing

Best Presentation: Lianca Fruit Food Manufacturing Company

Best Technology Developer: Terraplantae Gardening Services

Best Impact Solution: Cacao Farmers Association of Nagcarlan (CFAN)

Most Promising Innovative Product: Prima Cassava Food Product

Best Booth Design: Cacao Farmers Association of Nagcarlan (CFAN)

College Category:

Best Christmas Package: College of Arts and Sciences

Best Presentation:College of Engineering

Best Technology Developer: College of Engineering

Best Impact Solution: College of Business Administration and Accountancy

Most Promising Innovative Product: College of Arts and Sciences

Best Booth Design: College of Business Administration and Accountancy

People’s Choice Award: JCO Fish Retailing's Mang Piyo

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More photos of the event may be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/.../1d_v4NCHXw5kygaDaWt3JDfq...

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