RAISE program eyes enhanced agri-aqua tech commercialization during its second year

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The Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) prepares for its second year of implementation as it kicks it off with the program’s year-one annual review on February 6-7, 2023.

The activity was hosted by the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) in Davao City.

USeP President, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, opened the event with a welcoming address. She recognized the impact of DOST-PCAARRD in enriching the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) innovation ecosystem and the lives of Filipinos.

DOST-PCAARRD Officer-in-Charge for R&D, Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, greeted the participants and guests. He commended Pres. Generalao’s support to the program.

Also present were DOST-XI Assistant Regional Director Elsie Mae A. Solidum, Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) Consortium Director Gilbert Importante, and DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director Noel A. Catibog.

The program leaders and project leaders from the seven participating regions of the RAISE program reported their accomplishments, workplans, and best practices during their first year of implementation. Participating regions included Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region I, Region IV-A, Region V, Region VI, Region VIII, and Region XI.

The activity paved the way for a rich exchange of ideas, strategies, and insights among the participants.

This RAISE Program is the very example of DOST-PCAARRD’s new battle cry — “one-DOST-for-you.” One program converges the inventors, innovators, and investors to hasten the development of S&T-based agri-aqua enterprises.

The Council hopes that this unifying program will give rise to wealth creation, wealth protection, and strategic partnerships to rebuild the economy through our S&T creations.

The RAISE program is being implemented by 53 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and research and development institutes (RDIs) through 83 project components categorized as 1. Regional Intellectual Property Technology Business Management (IP-TBM) Office; 2. Regional Agri-business Hub; 3. Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator; and 4. Regional Knowledge Management Hub.

After one year of implementation, the program produced 440 graduates of the four 50-day mentorship series for eight months: the Intellectual Property Master Class (IPMC), Technology Commercialization Mentorship Series (TCMS), Agribusiness Master Class (ABMC), and Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (TPMS). This series culminated through a national event dubbed as the “Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest” last December 6, 2023. It facilitated and supported the filing of 132 patents, 276 utility models, 35 industrial designs, 37 trademarks, and 765 copyrights. Moreover, it also assisted three spin-offs and 26 incubatees with 75 jobs generated by incubatees/start-ups and 83 project staff hired.

There were also 16 technologies commercialized; generating P81,000- commercialization income through licensing and upfront fees, P3.4 million gross income of incubatees, and P210,000-income from ATBI operations.

The program and project teams also expressed gratitude to the Council for the RAISE program, stating that it provides an avenue to learn and practice technology commercialization, which is a highly important and an in-demand skill set in developing a culture of innovation among SUCs. (Kariza M. Geminiano, Abigail F. Gueco, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services)