To celebrate its 34^th anniversary, the Institute of Biology launched its Bio-Innovation and Technopreneurship extension program through a seminar/forum on January 27, 2020 at the Institute of Biology Auditorium.

The whole day event aimed to educate faculty, researchers and students on the process of translating knowledge from research to address and create problem-based solutions that can be used by industries and the public.  The morning was devoted to talks delivered by invited speakers, such as, Dr. Luis Sison (Director, UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office), Prof. Adeline Pacia (Director, UP Diliman Technology Transfer and Business Development Office), Dr. Giovanni Tapang (Dean, College of Science), Atty. Allan Barcena (CSR Head, Energy Development Corporation, Philippines), Dr. Gonzalo Serafica (Consultant, Technology Development and Biotech Enterprise, UP TTBDO and DOST, Dr. Richard Abendan (Chief of Party, USAID – Science Technology, Research and Innovation for Development) and Dr. Ronald Matias (Former Senior Manager, United Laboratories). Each speaker shared his/her experiences in translating research into products or processes that can be used by industries and how IB can explore avenues for collaborations with potential industry partners.

Open forum during the Bio-innovation and Technopreneurship launch.

(L-R) Ian Fontanilla (Director of the Institute of Biology); Atty. Allan Barcena (CSR Head, Energy Development Corporation, Philippines); Dr. Gonzalo Serafica (Consultant, Technology Development and Biotech Enterprise, UP TTBDO and DOST); Dr. Luis Sison (Director, UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office), Dr. Giovanni Tapang (Dean, College of Science), Dr. Richard Abendan (Chief of Party, USAID – Science Technology, Research and Innovation for Development); Dr. Ronald Matias (Former Senior Manager, United Laboratories); Dr. Joyce Ibana (Innovation Project Development Assistant of the College of Science); and Dr. Ahmad Mazahery (Faculty, Students, Alumni, and Administrative Relations Chair of the Institute of Biology).

A poster session was also held where value propositions were highlighted for the different researches being done at the Institute by the various academic groups.

Poster session

The afternoon consisted of brief presentations of the different academic groups (Cell Biology and Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Ecology and Taxonomy, Genetics, and Physiology) which focused on research areas where collaborations can be done by the academe, government and industry. A brief lecture was also given by Dr. Ahmad Reza Mazahery as part of final requirements under his grant from the Balik-Scientist program of the Department of Science and Technology. An ideation workshop, facilitated by the UP System TTBDO staff, was also conducted where representatives from some industries presented their problems. A discussion on how the IB researches can address some of the problems followed, with the aim to continue such discussion and lay down some detailed action plans.