By Rudy Parel Jr., DOST-STII
ASTICon 2024 participants engaged with a project exhibitor at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City. (Photo from Marx Halili, DOST-STII)
In a world of emerging technologies, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and its related terms such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and digital transformation can often be misunderstood due to their complexity and impact on traditional practices.
To help bring these technologies closer to the public, the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), in celebration of its 37th Founding Anniversary, launched its first Advanced Science, Technology and Innovation Convention (ASTICon) at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City on 18-19 July 2024.
Themed “Together, We Can”, this is in partnership with the National Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Conference or NEECECon 2024 of the University of the Philippines Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UP EEEI).
“By bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation in agriculture, advancing satellite technology for environmental sustainability, and pioneering research in quantum computing among other research and development activities, DOST-ASTI drives inclusive growth and development across our communities,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said.
He stated that this collaboration helps accelerate the translation of research into practical innovations and cultivates a culture of innovation nationwide.
In his opening remarks, DOST-ASTI Director Franz de Leon explained that the ICT convention featured exhibits showcasing the latest innovations and technologies from UP and DOST-ASTI.
There were also technical sessions highlighting the research outputs of both institutions in the fields of AI and smart cities, environment monitoring, power and energy, electric vehicles and energy storage, connectivity, and health.
UP officials such as President Angelo A. Jimenez, UP Diliman (UPD) Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, and UPD College of Engineering Dean Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, also graced the event with their messages of support during the event’s opening program.
DOST-supported ICT technologies
One of the tech exhibitors was the E-Mobility R&D Group of UP Diliman, a team of researchers working on DOST projects to develop electric vehicles (EVs) as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Their efforts include developing and prototyping an electric passenger ferry, electrifying public utility buses, and advancing local manufacturing of electric tricycles. The group is also focused on designing solar-powered EV charging stations and creating locally designed EV technologies.
Another key project, CharM (Charging In Minutes), aims to reduce EV charging times from 4-6 hours to under one hour.
Engr. Janine Giron, a Project Technical Specialist of the team, noted that their projects provide eco-friendly transportation solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen reliance on fossil fuels. She also said that the local manufacturing of electrical components stimulates economic growth and job creation.
Another exhibit was the Project Resilient Education Information Infrastructure for the New Normal or REIINN of DOST-ASTI. This initiative aims to support remote learning and bridge the digital divide through its key components: LokalFI and RuralCasting.
Engr. Riza Carmela Pineda, a Project Technical Specialist at DOST-ASTI, explained that LokalFI, or Long Range WiFi, provides local internet connectivity for remote areas and includes offline learning materials from agencies like the Department of Education, National Museum of the Philippines, and DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute.
RuralCasting, on the other hand, supports remote learning by providing a tool that allows users to access a wide range of educational content.
Additionally, other project exhibits included ASTI-ALaM, Kooha, Gul.AI, STEER, ON-IDLE, ASIMOV-HAWKS, MASID, ROAMER, VLOD, NLTurtle, Center for Integrated Circuit and Device Research, UPSIBOL, CARE, and Smart Systems Laboratory.
Fostering sectoral collaborations to achieve S&T goals
From tech exhibits and technical sessions to the signing of multiple memoranda of agreement, the convention aimed to gather various stakeholders to encourage idea exchange and strengthen collaboration between DOST-ASTI and its partners.
During the opening ceremony, partners from the private sector, local government units, academia, and other government agencies received Plaques of Appreciation for their contributions to the initiatives of UP EEEI and DOST-ASTI.
Keynote speeches were also delivered by industry partners, covering topics such as business development, digital grid transformation, and electronics.
“Partnerships and collaboration driving agencies, academia, and government institutions are crucial in our journey toward advancing science and technology,” said DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia. “These collaborations amplify our impact, bridging diverse expertise and resources to drive not only change but also dynamics in implementing strategies that prioritize research-heavy initiatives, paving the way for long-term sustainable development in the Philippines.”
(By Rudy Parel Jr., DOST-STII)
