CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) received a Research and Development (RnD) fund amounting to Php 1.3 million from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 to provide optimized routes for laundry drop-off and pick-up using genetic algorithms.

DOST-10, through the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIEERD), partnered with USTP  for a project entitled "Hybrid Static-Dynamic Route Optimization for Drop-Off and Pick-up Problem Using Genetic Algorithm."

The NorMinCIEERD funding will enable USTP researchers to provide a cost-efficient scheme for digital laundry businesses in dropping off and picking-up laundry by taking the best route within the city. 

Dirt Bag, a startup offering digital laundry services and currently an industry partner in this endeavor, is one of this innovation's technology adopters. Once adopted, the project output will serve as an additional feature in the existing Dirt Bag mobile application to provide optimized routes for their delivery drivers.

"USTP is thankful to DOST-10 and is committed to continuously support research and development endeavors of the University, enhancing industry productivity. Through collaboration and partnerships, we can attain sustainable economic growth and development in the region," said USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio Cultura II. (DOST-10/PIA-10)