By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will soon establish the Agri-Fishery Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) that will provide a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to improve, promote, and nurture their technology-based enterprises. 

Granted with Php 7.18 million fund from the Department of Agriculture (DA), this research for development (R4D) project of MMSU aims to facilitate the transfer and commercialization of University research-based agri-fishery technologies. 

Mr. Constante B. Julian, project leader, said the AFTBI will also create employment, promote public-private partnerships, and accelerate the creation of new enterprises in the region for economic development. 

“The MMSU-AFTBI will also assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region by improving their business operations and productivity specifically in providing assistance in regulatory requirements, intellectual property protection and other services,” Julian added. 

Once established, the project will offer the following incubation services: provision of office space; access to processing facility for food products; business management and coaching/mentoring by practitioners; bootcamp in preparing sound business plans; administrative services; technical support; advice on managing intellectual property; assistance in finding source of financing; business networking and marketing; assistance in complying necessary regulation; and ensure adherence to Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013 of the products developed. 

Prospective incubatees are BS Agriculture / Entrepreneurship / Food Technology / Fisheries / Agriculture graduates; members of Rural Improvement Club from Ilocos Norte, Mango Growers Association in Ilocos Norte, Farmers/Fisher Cooperatives, Women Group, and 4-H club; Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR)-assisted communities; and MSMEs. 

The AFTBI of MMSU will select an incubatee candidate based on the following criteria: letter of intent and other pertinent documents; technology that has strong R&D focus; qualified entrepreneur with promising technology and business plan; technology that has market potential or high market demand; and member of an accredited organization.

Partner-agencies of MMSU for this project are the DA Regional Office I, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Agricultural and Credit Policy Council, Agribusiness and Market Assistance Service, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Agricultural Research, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.  

“Promoting and commercializing research-based technologies on a massive scale shall be the new normal within the region,” expressed MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis. (StratCom)