ZAMBOANGA CITY, 04 Aug (PIA) – Zamboanga Peninsula has recently launched its first innovation hub in Zamboanga City that is expected to propel opportunities for businesses and scientific solutions to societal challenges.
The Department of Trade and Industry-IX (DTI-9) spearheaded the unveiling of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center for Zamboanga Peninsula(ZamPen InnoHive) on July 11, which is a collaborative platform aimed at strategically bridging the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems within the region.
DTI9 Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae said that the ZamPen InnoHive is the first physical hub in the country that offers focused assistance to startups by giving access to startup development programs such as training, capacity building, and prototype and product development.
“We celebrate the launch of several remarkable initiatives that will shape the future of our region and empower our communities. First and foremost, we mark the official inauguration of the country’s first Physical Regional Inclusive Innovation Center or RIC, we will claim it,” Dir. Lipae said.
Lipae described the event as a groundbreaking adventure that signifies the government’ commitment to fostering inclusive growth and driving innovation.
“This center will serve as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing for our local entrepreneurs and innovators and flourish and unlock their full potential,” he said.
During the launch, DTI-9 and Ateneo de Zamboanga University signed a usufruct agreement on the ZamPen InnoHive as it is housed at the Lantaka Campus of the university.
University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ welcomed the hub as the center for collaboration and cooperation for innovation, creation, and ideas, where products would serve the Filipino people.
“We also believe that education, at least the Jesuit education, is also an education that allows for solidarity and fraternity or kinship. Ang ibig sabihin po nito, meron pong pagmamalasakit para sa kapwa. (This means, there is a deep concern for fellowmen.) We could talk about all those things like being charitable, giving scholarships but at the end of the day, we also want to talk about impact in the lives of people and as mentioned earlier, the MSMEs—this is something that is relevant to the local community and were able to not just inculcate skills to allow for MSMEs to prosper, but also to be able to share the values that we have in the university in terms of being men and women for others. And we feel that collaboration becomes even more meaningful,” Fr. Andal explained.
Key government agencies, like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, ang Higher Education Institutions-State Universities and Colleges in the region, including the Zamboanga Information and Communication Technology Council also signed a memorandum of understanding to propel and further enhance the physical ZamPen InnoHive so that it will be fully operational and better serve the public.
In its commitment for resource sharing among partners on the ZamPen InnoHive, DICT-9 initially turned-over 10 laptops and committed to provide free high-speed internet for the clients.
The newly launched ZamPen InnoHive in Zamboanga City featured a fabrication laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment that can translate ideas into prototypes and models for businesses and products, in order to encourage the establishment and operation of innovative new enterprises and businesses that is crucial to their growth and expansion.
Students and entrepreneurs are encouraged to use the new facility and its technology as a means to accelerate the region’s economic standing while also enabling MSMEs to navigate the evolving business landscape, and fostering innovative solutions for their recovery and resilience. (NBE/RVC/PIA9-Zamboanga)
