Benguet State University (BSU) successfully hosted a three-day hybrid event that reviewed the projects under the second and fourth batches of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) program. It also discussed its overall evaluation and an in-depth assessment of the 25 ATBIs supported by the DOST-PCAARRD.
The activities were facilitated by BSU and the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) from February 11 to 13, 2025 at the BSU-ATBI Innovation Center in La Trinidad, Benguet.
BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, in his welcome remarks, emphasized the crucial role that technology transfer plays in driving innovation and development. Through the technology business incubation (TBI) program, BSU not only advances its own mission but also empowers surrounding communities, fostering sustainable growth and economic opportunities in the region.
Director Noel A. Catibog of DOST-PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) commended the ATBI team for their successful project implementation. He highlighted the core purpose of research and development (R&D) in solving critical challenges and addressing the needs of the local community and the role of ATBIs as innovation agents that influence the impact of the R&D program results, such as tangible technologies. His message underscored the transformative potential of these projects, particularly in creating solutions that are both innovative and relevant to local stakeholders.
The event served as a collaborative platform for participants to engage in workshops, discussions, and presentations focused on evaluating the ATBI program’s effectiveness, impact, and areas requiring improvement. These activities were pivotal in identifying the program’s strengths and potential areas for growth, ensuring that future iterations would be more impactful.
Moreover, each implementing agency had the opportunity to present its project accomplishments, providing a comprehensive overview of its contributions. This not only showcased the achievements of the ATBI program but also fostered a culture of knowledge- and best practices-sharing.
CLSU, in line with its objectives under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) program, spearheaded the evaluation of the overall impact of the ATBIs. Their assessment focused on understanding how the incubators have influenced the host institutions, the incubatees and acceleratees, as well as the broader communities they serve. This evaluation was crucial in demonstrating the tangible benefits of the ATBI program in terms of socio-economic development and the enhancement of local innovation ecosystems.
The event provided invaluable insights into the progress and future direction of the ATBI program, reaffirming its potential to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and create lasting positive change in the regions.
As of December 2024, the program has supported 407 incubatees, created 1,711 job opportunities and generated a total income of P118.7M. Additionally, the incubators have nurtured and transferred 255 technologies, generating P12M in revenue. This further strengthens the program’s impact on economic growth and innovation. Through these achievements and collective efforts, the ATBI program continues to evolve, meeting both the needs of local communities and the broader objectives of technology transfer and business incubation.
One key takeaway during the activity is that the goal of each ATBI should not be to simply fill spaces or count milestones but to select individuals who align with and contribute to the program’s vision and objectives. When incubatees do not stay or fail to thrive, it is not just a missed opportunity for them, but also a significant loss for the program. By carefully vetting candidates, ATBIs ensure they invest in individuals with the potential to grow, innovate, and bring real value, ultimately driving the incubator’s long-term success and sustainability.