LSPU ATBI caps 2nd Inauguration Anniv, 19 new incubatees and partners sign MOA
To celebrate two years of assisting LSPU technology developers and local entrepreneurs, the DOST-PCAARRD-LSPU Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) held its 2nd Year Inauguration Anniversary and 5th Symbolic MOA Signing last November 29, 2021 via ZOOM. The University represented by Pres. Dr. Mario R. Briones and 19 new incubatees and organizations signed symbolically said agreements on technology business incubation.
In his opening message, Dr. Briones commended and recounted the Project’s efforts in providing valuable assistance to micro entrepreneurs in accessing resources to help them grow and flourish. “The Unit has made significant progress in increasing its prominence to better service prospective clientele despite having encountered operational challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Unit has channeled creative efforts to address these issues and ensure continuity in the delivery of its services,” Dr. Briones said.
Dir. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST Region IV-A, said the agency is looking forward to forging linkages with the Incubator to transform research and development outputs into innovations through technopreneurship and customer validation. “We are beyond excited to extend these experiences to ATBI and startups towards a more developed and advanced agri-fishery and natural products industry in CALABARZON. Kasama niyo kami sa pag-innovate and make a difference,” Dir. Bagsit’s message of support to the Incubator on her inspirational message.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD, recognized the Project’s initiative to usher the country’s first two co-incubation programs among its other milestones and encouraged the Team to create more collaborative efforts. “Let’s join hands as we bring more inventions to innovations. Let us shape our AANR ecosystem. With all these collaborative efforts in hand, sama-sama tayo para sa isang maunlad, makabago at makasaysayang inobasyon ng ating bansa,” Dr. Ebora said in his message.
As a highlight of the event, the Incubator, which was inaugurated on November 29, 2019, welcomed 14 new startups into the program that seek to establish a sustainable agri-fishery industry in Laguna whilst inking agreements with the University’s first three spinoffs.
The ATBI has also sealed partnership with Herb’s Best International, Inc., its first ever industry partner, and the Packaging Technology Division of DOST-ITDI, which is currently conducting the laboratory testing and package development of the incubatees’ products.
Dr. Anabelle V. Briones, Director of DOST-ITDI, shared that this partnership is in line with their agency’s mission to connect with more universities to promote acceleration of product development and improvement of the entrepreneur’s products. She said that her agency is delighted to forge the partnership to provide packaging assistance to the incubatees and be part of their journey to make their products ready for commercialization and competitive in the market. “I am optimistic that through this partnership we will improve the products, the businesses and the lives of our MSMEs,” Dr. Briones said.
Ms. Fannie Guanzon, CEO and Founder of Herb’s Best, said her company will make good full use of the collaboration especially in technology transfer, essential services in technology management, business development and marketing among others. According to her, Herb’s Best believes in supporting local and enabling communities. “With this partnership, we believe this mission can be achieved,” Ms. Guanzon said, who aims to help bring more incubatees’ products to the market shelves.
Other guests invited to give messages on the momentous event were Dr. Ruth C. Diego, Director of National ATBI and Program Director of BSU-ATBI/IC, and Ms. Lucy A. Lastimosa, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, and Mr. Fredric Eron Tan, Proprietor of The Greenhouse, an outwall incubatee.
Dr. Diego recalled how far the Project has come so far for the past three years. “It takes dedication, commitment and passion to be where you are today considering also the we had not planned this program with pandemic in mind,” she said.
Ms. Lastimosa shared DOST-PCAARRD’S current and future projects for incubatees, which include potential funding assistance for startups. “Let’s be a catalyst for a competitive innovation system in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector. Sama-sama tayong magtulungan para sa isang malikhain, angkop at makabagong agrikultura ng Pilipinas,” she said.
Mr. Tan, meanwhile, shared the Incubator’s help to his business thus far, saying he believes he and the other new signees are on the right track to grow as entrepreneurs.
Following the anniversary, the Board of Advisors (BOA) held its first meeting presided by its Chairman Dr. Briones, with members composed of LSPU vice presidents and campus directors, regional directors, and private entities. (ELopez, ATBI Proj. Asst.)