Filipino Technologies Modernizing Agri Win Big in IPOPHL’s 2024 SRT Sontest

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The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently awarded technologies designed to automate agricultural processes and systems, increase efficiency in the field and help farmers generate more profit.

Last November, IPOPHL’s Documentation, information and Technology Transfer Bureau (DITTB) held the 2024 Socially Relevant Technologies (SRT) contest which centered on the theme “Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Transforming Agriculture Through AI-Driven Green Technologies.” As such, this year’s contest showcased technologies that leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence and green technologies to tackle urgent issues in agriculture.

“Today’s celebration of innovation highlights the remarkable potential of each Filipino inventor to pioneer sustainable change to potentially benefit Filipino farmers. It is also an opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, gain valuable insights and explore how ideas and potential IP assets can contribute to sustainable progress in the Philippines,” IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan said.

The professional category’s top honor went to the “AGROTIS Navigation System for Hand Tractors,” an automation marvel developed by University of Santo Tomas faculty members Anthony James C. Bautista and Mary Grace Ann C. Bautista. The system reduces soil preparation time for rice planting by nearly 36%, offering remarkable efficiency. The victory earned the team an P80,000 cash prize.

In the youth category, Technological University of the Philippines – Manila students Alexis Fuenzalida, Narwin Decena, Roi Vincent Perez, Kratch Dave Gatbonton and John Rhey Ibe triumphed with their Cocoustic 2.0 technology. The Arduino-based sound acquisition system accurately determines coconut maturity, cutting waste, reducing labor costs and ensuring timely harvests. Their innovative project garnered a P50,000 reward.

Below are the other winners:

Professional category

2nd prize (with P55,000 cash prize) – BioCoat-Z: Particle Film Technology for Crop Protection in Controlling Pest Damage by Juan Miguel Esguerra, Eleanor M. Olegario, Krislord Santos, Dr. Divina M. Amalin and Dr. Alberto T. Barrion of the De La Salle University and LITHOS Manufacturing.

3rd prize (P30,000)-  Project GeoMap (Mapulon.io App): AI-Enhanced Geospatial Mapping and Soil Analytics for Smart Farming and Climate-Resilient Agriculture by Engr. Raven C. Tabiongan, Engr. Merry Chris D. Margarico, Khyla Marie T. Lauzon, Mari Pearl Rosario D. Alegria of the Samar State University and the University of the Philippines Open University.

4th prize (P5,000) – BeanSort: Coffee Quality Sorter by Sheryl Dinglasan Fenol, Gerry Castillo, Al Eugene Torres, Gee Jay Bartolome, Ric Karl Flores, Dilbert Pagkaliwangan, Abel James Lualhati and Jhamil Mariano of the Cavite State University

5th prize (P5,000) – UNVAS: A brand for School, Home, and Lifestyle Products from Dried Banana Leaves by Julienne Stephanie Fabie Agapin of the Western Mindanao State University

Youth category

2nd prize (with P30,000 cash prize): IoShroom: IoT-Integrated Smart Mushroom Monitoring System by Mycah Isabel Raymundo, Danica Moster and Ahdessa Perez of the De La Salle University – Lipa

3rd prize (P20,000) – Smart Irrigation Drip System by Princess Joy R. Garcia, Zachiebelle Avril S. Canapi and Trisha Marielle T. Basa of the St. Paul University Philippines

4th prize (P5,000) – Developing a Chainsaw Sound Detection System for Anti-Illegal Logging by Neraldo L. Dacutanan, Ivan B. Rivera, Rey Vincent Q. Conde and Romeo P. Aboganda Jr. of the Samar State University

5th prize (P5,000) – SoilSync: An AI-Based Land and Crop Suitability Management Solution by, Roger T. Macaraeg, Carl Ivan A. Alatan, Dhea Charissed A. Barte and Charles L. Benitez of the Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus

All 10 winners will be provided with information search training and exposure through the IP Depot –– IPOPHL’s online marketplace for IP investors and buyers –– once filed for protection. They could also enjoy two weeks of free access to Questel, a leading patent database, to perform preliminary patent searches.

Moreover, IPOPHL will assess this year’s entries for potential free legal advice from IP lawyers through its Inventor Assistance Program. Successful commercialization stories may also be featured in IPOPHL’s Wagi! With IP Feature Series.

Meanwhile, first-prize winners will be endorsed to receive recognition from the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Participants are encouraged to tap the newly launched Green Technology Incentive Program and the Young IP Incentive Program (YIPI), which waive certain filing fees and offer fast-tracked services to amplify the impact of their innovations.

Currently in its fifth year of implementation, the SRT Project of the DITTB promotes the use of patent information for technology transfer and as a strategic tool for developing  technologies that drive economic development, sustainability and global competitiveness of Philippine industries. (Janina Lim)