By Kimberly S. Miguel, StratCom Correspondent

Anchored on its seven-point agenda, Mariano Marcos State University conducted the Technology Showcase 2.0 and Tech-Talk with Industry-based Alumni at the Teatro Ilocandia on January 9-10. 

With over three hundred participants from local government units, farmer organizations, MSMEs, hotel and restaurant industries, students, faculty and staff, the two-day activity featured a technology pitching and competition, technology showcase and food tasting, and a talk show featuring MMSU alumni in different industries. The celebration is centered on the theme, START UP: Synergies in Technology, Achievements, Research Triumphs, and Unveiling Progress. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis conveyed her support and enthusiasm to the participants. “This event offers an excellent opportunity for us to connect, open collaborations, and spark conversations for positive change”, she said in her message. 

Products showcased in the activity include technologies ready for commercialization such as black garlic and black garlic-based food products, probiotic products, Nipahol products, inabel and other MMSU-generated technologies through its various research centers. Products of incubatees were also displayed through the MMSU Dap-Ayan TBI and the Bannuar TBI in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology. 

Highlighting the relevance of innovations and entrepreneurship, Dir. Noel A. Catibog, director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division of DOST PCAARRD, served as the keynote speaker. Also present in the event are Hon. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, vice governor of the Province of Ilocos Norte; Dir. Grace F. Baluyan, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 1; and Mr. Patrick Joseph Y. Duavit, North Luzon regional general manager of the San Miguel Corporation, represented by Mr. Joel Aranuez, area sales manager Region 1. Furthermore, the technology pitching demonstrates adoptable technologies such as 1) Knowledge-Based Decision Support System for Mitigating Garlic Insect Pests and Diseases using Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, 2) Micro-controller-based Nitrogen Sensor for Garlic, 3) Solamea Ready Mix, 4) Malunggay Ice Cream, 5) Green Water for Glass Eel Early Weaning and Nursery Rearing Production, 6) Pinakbet Paste, and 7) Brown Rice Krispies. These technologies are ready for commercialization through partnership with the University and the RAISE Program in the Ilocos Region. 

In addition, MMSU alumni who traverse industries as entrepreneurs such as Mr. Eleuterio Salamangkit of EQ Holdings Incorporated, Dr. Janill I. Magano of J.I Magano Education Consultancy Services, Engr. Ariel delos Santos of ADS Engineering Services, and Engr. Rogelio Molina Balisacan of Agapeland Organic Farm and Learning Center also shared valuable insights in their businesses industries.

Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, director for Research, Innovation and Technology, shared his positive insights in hopes of encouraging community members to create new opportunities. “This two-day celebration will serve as a catalyst for education, innovation, and collaboration as it elevates the learning experience to prepare for the dynamic demands of an ever-evolving, technology-driven world”, he said. (MKYAA/CHC/ANS_StratCom)