CLSU Hosts 3rd National TBI Conference & Incubatee Summit

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through its Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), hosted the 2024 Binnovation: 3rd National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator Conference and Incubatee Summit” from September 10-11, 2024 at SMX Clark, Pampanga. Under the theme “Harnessing Business Innovation through Business Incubation,” the event was attended by over 200 participants, including researchers and incubatees from various regions in the Philippines. Additionally, 11 regions participated in the product exhibit to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the incubatees and partner SUCs/institutions. During the event, University President Evaristo A. Abella underscored the significance of connecting ideas to reality through tailored business and technical mentoring provided by AFTBI and DOST. “Tapos na tayo sa research at output, it’s time to commercialize our research… Together, let us work towards establishing and sustaining an enabling ecosystem that catalyzes local inventions and nurtures innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets among our communities. Let us transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality,” said President Abella. Meanwhile, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARD looked back to the impressive success of ATBIs since its origin in 2017, highlighting the increasing number of incubatees nationwide and the evolving depth and quality of partnerships. “As we look back, it’s clear that the ATBI program has evolved significantly—not just in numbers but in the depth and quality of partnerships we’ve forged,” Dr. Ebora stressed. He also shared a different meaning of P and C in PCAARRD aside from the usual "Partnership" and "Collaboration", and added “Progress” and “Commitment” that will lead to a more innovative agri-aqua ecosystem. Furthermore, Dr. Dana Vera Cruz, CLSU faculty and owner of Vera Bella Enterprise Limited Co., - a CLSU-AFTBI aceleratee, shared her successful journey in commercializing Tilapia Ice cream, providing an inspiring example of innovation and entrepreneurship. Other speakers for the conference include esteemed individuals such as Dr. Ria Liza C. Canlas, Executive Member of the National Innovation Council; Dr. Ruth C. Diego, Program Leader of RAISE Batch 1; Dr. Richard V. Simangan, Director of the DTI-Nueva Ecija Provincial Office; Prof. Victoria N. Malaya, Director of Innovation and Technology at DMMSU ATBI; and Prof. Matthew George O. Escobido, Adjunct Faculty at the Asian Institute of Management; Mr. Arturo J. Delgado Jr., Designer of TREDisenio Product Design and Consultancy; Ms. Jan Czarina M. Salas, Graphic Designer. Gracing the event were the esteemed Consortium Directors and DOST personnel. The two-day event has indeed showcased the immense potential of the agri-aqua industry, particularly in driving innovation that can significantly contribute to the economic growth of the country.