The first agriculture and food technology-based incubator (TBI) project in the country was recently launched at the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
The project is under Component 3 “Support to technology business incubation in the AFNR (agriculture, forestry and natural resources)” of the PCARRD- coordinated national program on “Enhancing the demand for AFNR graduates through science and technology”.
The pioneering project focuses on the development of enterprises from agri-based technologies of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and allied agencies in Region 3. It also seeks to increase entrepreneurial competencies in the domestic and international markets; accelerate technology transfer to potential and existing entrepreneurs; generate employment; and strengthen linkages between state universities and colleges and the private sector.
“TBI is indeed a huge step towards the fulfillment of our bigger aims and these are to establish, operate, and commercialize agriculture and food-based technologies,” said outgoing Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro, who was the guest speaker of the event.
As support to the project, a P30-million grant was awarded to CLSU for the development of facilities, procurement of equipment, and provision of support resources and extension of technical services to AFNR students and graduates, start-ups, spin-offs, and micro, small and medium enterprises.
With the grant, incubatees and other clients will be able to avail of services including agricultural production and processing, storage, office space, product development, business counseling, financial sourcing, market linkaging, and legal advice on business registration and administrative services necessary to successfully launch new AFNR-based businesses. These services will be orchestrated by CLSU in partnership with collaborating agencies like the Philippine Carabao Center, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nueva Ecija Fruit and Vegetables Seed Center, PhilRice, and PhilSCAT.
Moreover, the project will capitalize on agri-based food commodities including tilapia, goat, onions, mango, mushroom, vegetables, dairy carabao, and aromatic rice. The CLSU-TBI is expected to create an environment where AFNR students, graduates, university constituents, and entrepreneurs can adapt new and innovative technologies; create new products; and spur development of ventures with long-term potential for success.