The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) S&T Park at USTP Villanueva will create an Innovation Triangle in Northern Mindanao which aims to advance the innovation ecosystem in Region X.
The Innovation Triangle in Northern Mindanao is a strategic framework developed by the USTP to boost regional development through three Science and Technology (S&T) parks in Misamis Oriental. It links the AGILA S&T Park (Alubijid) for Research and Development (R&D), Agropolis S&T Park (Claveria) for agri-ecotourism, and the Villanueva S&T Park for industry partnership.
Key Components of the Innovation Triangle:
- AGILA S&T Park (Alubijid): Serves as a central industrial business hub, focusing on technology incubation, commercialization, and creating a new urban zone to foster collaboration between academe, industry, and government.
- Agropolis S&T Park (Claveria): Dedicated to agri-ecotourism and agricultural research to promote sustainable development.
- Villanueva S&T Park:Â Focuses on strengthening industry partnerships, industrial development, and manufacturing.Â
Supporting Ecosystems:
- Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen):Â Located in Cagayan de Oro, it provides 3D printing, prototyping, and material testing for local industry.
- Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center (NMFIC):Â Assists MSMEs in the food industry with R&D and technology transfer.
- Regional Innovation Program (NorMinRIPE):Â An annual event that showcases local products, technologies, and innovations from startups and various sectors.
- Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC):Â A collaborative group in Region 10 focusing on key areas like human resources, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure.Â
This initiative aligns with the national goal of creating a robust innovation culture by connecting academic research with practical, market-oriented applications, including initiatives like the first silk innovation hub in Mindanao.
USTP Villanueva S & T Park
USTP Villanueva currently offers academic offerings that directly respond to the knowledge and skills needs of the locators within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. It is envisioned to catalyze productive academe-industry relationships and strategic capacity-development activities of industry partners.
At present these include Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Technology Communication Management (BSTCM) and Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Technology (BSEMT).
Usufruct with PHIVIDEC
The Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC) Industrial Authority Board previously approved the Usufruct Agreement for a five hectare campus between the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate for a period of 25 years.
With the agreement, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority shall have a seat in the Advisory Council of the Technology Business Incubation (CDObites Program) and assist in coordinating with the PIEMO locators in relation to research and development.
CDObites Program
The Cagayan de Oro Business Incubation Technology Entrepreneurship and Startups (CDObites) program, a collaboration between USTP and DOST-X, leverages an advisory council to guide its strategic focus on supporting regional startups.
Advisory Council and Key Institutional Partners
USTP System: Leads TBI implementation.
DOST-X (Northern Mindanao): Provides oversight and support.
PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority: Holds a seat on the Council via a usufruct agreement.
Other Key Partners: Includes the Oro Chamber of Commerce and NorMinCIEERD for industry linkages and research.
Key Personnel
Engr. Alex L. Maureal: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, involved in mentoring and presenting the program.
Engr. Franch Maverick A. Lorilla: TBI Manager.
Focus and Recognition
The Council supports the Firestarter Main Incubation Program (Cohort 8, late 2024), offering 6-month training, expert mentorship, and facility access, including full equity grants. CDObites was recognized as the 2020 PCIEERD Kabalikat University TBI Awardee.
The USTP Science and Technology Parks
Science and Technology (S&T) Parks have been perceived as a means of upgrading production and promoting collaboration in research and innovation. As developing economies attempt to close the technology gap, governments are increasingly turning to S&T Parks as part of their national strategy (UNESCAP 2019). In the Philippines, the government endeavors to vigorously advance the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI). Targeted outcomes include STI in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors improved; investments in technology-based start-ups, enterprises, and spin-offs increased; creative capacity for knowledge and technology generation, acquisition, and adoption enhanced; and open collaboration among actors in the STI ecosystem strengthened (NEDA 2017).
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) aims to contribute to this national goal while accomplishing the University’s Mission to bring the world of work (industry) into the actual higher education and training of students; offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to maximize their business potentials through a gamut of services from product conceptualization to commercialization; and contribute significantly to the National Development Goals of food security and safety, and energy sufficiency and security through technology solutions. Along this line, the USTP is establishing Science and Technology Parks (i.e., the Innovation Triangle) pursuant to its Charter – Republic Act No. 10919.
The Science and Technology Parks Vision Statement
A Premier University-driven S&T Parks in the Philippines that host a Sustainable, Climate-Resilient & Livable Environment; enjoyed by Diverse, Values-Oriented and Entrepreneurial Community who thrive in a Robust, Innovative & Inclusive Economy; supported by Smart, Green and State-of-the-Art infrastructure systems; and governed by a Responsive, Transformative, and Principled leadership.
These S&T Parks are also envisioned to have the following functional roles:
· a nexus for innovation and entrepreneurship promoting a culture of socio-economic transformation and sustained economic growth in the Philippines
· a prime ecotourism and natural laboratory university in the Philippines championing biodiversity stewardship
· an attractive and responsive infrastructure and support services facilitative of a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders
The establishment of the S&T Parks within an academic backdrop magnifies the importance of the Science and Industry interface, and this Science and Industry Summit will gather key players from relevant sectors to promote knowledge and practices that enhance innovation ecosystems.
