Attendees of the afternoon session of the DOST-ITDI technology pitching activity, including non-food technology research teams, industry and development sector partners, and other DOST-ITDI staff. (Photo from DOST-STII)

The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) conducted a two-part pitching activity to present its latest food and non-food technologies to various industry partners for potential adoption. Held on 20 June 2024 at DOST-ITDI’s Science, Technology, Innovation, Culture, and the Arts Knowledge Management Platform, this event aimed to bridge the gap between research and the practical application of DOST-ITDI’s innovations.

Dr. Janet F. Quizon, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the Deputy Director for Administrative and Technical Services, formally opened the morning session with her welcome remarks. She shared that DOST-ITDI has developed a range of technologies ready for adoption that can benefit local businesses.

In her message, DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones emphasized that the technology pitching event aims to fulfill the agency’s mandates. She highlighted the importance of technology transfer and commercialization, stressing that it is crucial for the agency to ensure that innovations developed through its research and development efforts reach industry partners and beneficiaries. She also mentioned the agency’s readiness to provide various technical services to its partners.

Dr. Briones expressed hope that this event would drive wealth creation by enabling industry partners to adopt newly developed technologies, thereby adding value to their industries and creating job opportunities.

Ten researchers from various divisions of the agency showcased the key features, practical benefits, and commercial viability of their respective technologies.

Attended by 29 delegates from 14 companies and organizations, the morning session featured the agency’s latest food technologies, including: ready-to-eat chicken corn soup and ginisang munggo, which were designed as plant-based products for disaster response for the elderly and children; rehydratable squash powder rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals; ready-to-use, shelf-stable randang sauce that preserves the authentic flavor and aroma of randang; nutritious, ready-to-drink (RTD) Tablea with five variants; Okara-based products such as the RTD Okara, choco-crinkles, oatmeal cookies, pre-mix chocomilk, and okaroons; and flavored salt, which is rich in minerals and has reduced sodium content.

Respectively, these technologies were presented by the following: Ms. Grace D. Noceja, Supervising Science Research Specialist (SSRS) of the Packaging Technology Division; Ms. Ma. Bettina A. Macaraeg, Science Research Specialist (SRS) II of the Food Processing Division (FPD); Ms. Monica R. Manalo, SRS I of FPD; Ms. Michelle E. Evaristo, SSRS of FPD; Ms. Marina G. Yao, Senior SRS of the Chemicals and Energy Division (CED); and Ms. Maricar B. Carandang, Senior SRS of CED.

In her opening remarks during the afternoon session, Ms. Cristina B. Candelaria, OIC of the Technological Services Division (TSD), mentioned how this event could lead to technological advancements in the Philippines that significantly impact the global economy.

This session was attended by 23 delegates from 12 different companies and organizations. It featured non-food technologies, including: biocomposites from agricultural by-products, which involve recycling waste plastics for construction and other industrial purposes; hollow fiber membrane module incorporated in rainwater harvester for storing filtered and potable water from rainwater; halal spa products that cater to the Muslim community; and compact wastewater treatment system for treating highly organic wastewater from restaurants and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

These technologies were respectively introduced by the following: Mr. Dale Mhar B. Alfeche, SRS II of the Materials Science Division (MSD); Dr. Marianito T. Margarito, SSRS of MSD; Ms. Jacqueline F. Dinglasan, SRS II of TSD; and Ms. Rodelma D. Perez, Senior SRS of the Environment and Biotechnology Division (EBD). Ms. Camile S. Estimado-Canieso, SRS II of the DOST-National Capital Region (NCR) PAMAMARISAN Cluster, also attended the event to discuss the programs and services offered by DOST-NCR that participants can use to enhance their respective businesses.

Business meetings held at DOST-ITDI STICA KM Platform (Photo from DOST-STII)

A taste test during the morning session and a materials exhibition in the afternoon were also organized to allow attendees to take a closer look at DOST-ITDI’s technologies. Additionally, business meetings were held to facilitate discussions between potential technology adopters and the research teams of these innovations.

In his closing remarks, Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra, the Chief SRS of EBD and OIC Deputy Director for Research and Development, further discussed the technologies and the challenges they aim to address.

This event served as a pre-celebration of DOST-ITDI’s 123rd Foundation Anniversary, with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon Alay ay Solusyon at Oportunidad sa Bagong Pilipinas.” (By Rudy P. Parel, Jr, DOST-STII)