LAMUT, Ifugao (PIA) – The Ifugao State University (IFSU) is expanding its support for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
IFSU recently inaugurated its Intellectual Property Technology Business Management (IPTBM) building, and unveiled the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) program marker at its main campus in Nayon in Lamut. This is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
The IPTBM center serves as a central hub for researchers and trainees to manage, protect, and commercialize their intellectual property resulting from government-funded research studies.
The ATBI program aims to promote the utilization and commercialization of advanced technologies in the AANR sector through technology transfer, and the establishment of sustainable agribusinesses.
IFSU president Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon explained that the center's goal is to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD executive director, said that the true measure of the ATBI program's success lies in fostering successful entrepreneurs. He also emphasized the importance of partnerships, and highlighted the program's reliance on strong institutional collaboration for success.
The services offered in the ATBI program include technical and technological support focusing on wine and vinegar, livestock and poultry, aquaculture, food processing, coffee, and cacao. It also provides entrepreneurial capability-building activities for the incubatees or trainees, offering training related to business operations, financial management, and accounting.
The ATBI program also assists the incubatees in promoting their brands through patent applications, production of information, education and communication materials and videos, market studies, and digital and social media marketing.
It further aids the incubatees in promoting their respective enterprises, technologies, and products through technology and business pitching, investment forums, participation in trade expositions, packaging of documents or proposals for grants or loans, and trade fairs.
Milagros H. Dulnuan, a trainee and owner of Ifugao Midland Coffee, is thankful for the program, acknowledging its role in enhancing her skills and promoting her product resulting in higher income.
Another trainee, Alexandria Khate Umoltog, a second-year secondary education student at IFSU, is grateful for the assistance in registering her start-up polvoron business, and in the packaging of her product.
Interested participants may visit the IPTBM center for orientation, information, and requirements. (FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
