By Nympha G. Borromeo, StratCom Intern

Promoting entrepreneurship and technology commercialization, the Department of Science and Technology - Mariano Marcos State University Bannuar Technology and Business Incubation (DOST - MMSU TBI) rolled out the RIMAT Caravan to communities on June 5 and 9. 

The caravan for the project Revitalizing Homegrown Industries through Mentorship, Adoption and Technopreneurship (RIMAT) aimed to create awareness and generate interest in MMSU technologies ready for commercialization and to identify potential incubatees and linkages with local micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Held at the FE Marcos Mini Cultural Sports in San Nicolas, the activity convened a total of over 200 participants, composed of farmer association representatives, pottery owners, bamboo processors and processing business owners, out-of-school youth, Sangguniang Kabataan members, and high school students of the said town.

DOST - MMSU TBI presented topics which included an overview of the Bannuar TBI by Prof. Armie C. Sabugo, MMSU-TBI chief; MMSU technologies ready for commercialization by Engr. Artbellson B. Mamuri, University Innovation and Technology Support Office chief; and, TBI concepts and strategies by Prof. Reena Gilaine Barot, Bannuar TBI project staff.

The participants engaged in group discussions to share the challenges and opportunities of their businesses. Tech generators from the fields of ceramics, forestry, agricultural engineering, information technology, computer engineering, and computer science were invited to address problems identified by the participants.

The activity was graced by Municipal Mayor Miguel Hernando, Ms. Shirley Anne A. Villaroman, Department of Trade and Industry - Negosyo Center San Nicolas officer, and representatives from DTI Ilocos Norte.

On April 19, MMSU has kicked-off its TBI project funded by DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Resources and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), to promote the use of technology in enterprise management and startups development in the province. (JVBT/SCO, StratCom)