Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU TBI inks agreement with food startups in Ilocos Norte

By Kathrina Antonio

To foster innovation among local startups, MMSU, through its Technology Business Incubation (TBI), has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with food manufacturers Tasty Treats and Snack Stop today, September 23, at the FEM hall.

MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe Franco, Research Director Dr. Dionisio Bucao,  MMSU TBI chief Prof. Armie Sabugo, Food Innovation Center chief Dr. Felecitas Sanculi, Science Research Assistant Mr. Eleazar Grande, Tasty Treats representatives Junie Lei Gile and Vince Domingo, Snack Stop representatives Valerie Saludez and Chloe Denisse Ramiscal were present during the signing ceremony.

As part of the agreement, MMSU TBI will provide essential incubation services such as market validation, prototype development, Intellectual Property Protection, pilot testing, business model development, business plan preparation, pitching and registration, and training and coaching sessions.

Dr. Franco shared the university’s dedication to supporting local businesses. “Through this partnership, we aim to equip our young incubatees with the necessary tools, knowledge, and technical expertise to thrive in the competitive food industry,” she said.

The representatives of the local manufacturers, who are also fourth-year entrepreneurship students of MMSU, expressed their gratitude, recognizing the potential for growth and expansion that the university's incubation program can provide.

With these initiatives, MMSU aims to bridge the gap between academic research and local industry, providing technical assistance and expertise to boost product development, packaging, and marketability.