The Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program through DMMMSU ATBI Project leadership on Boosting the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (MMMSU) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted a regionwide mentorship seminar on technology commercialization at the International Convention Center in the North La Union Campus on December 12 to 16, 2022. 

The five-day mentorship series was attended by 36 participants from DMMMSU, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), North Luzon Polytechnic State College (NLPSC), University of Northern the Philippines (UNP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Agriculture. 

During the initial part of the training, Prof. Anabella G. Valdez (DMMMSU) discussed the Assessment of Training Readiness Level and Commercialization Readiness Level, while Dr. Pablo Rafael from Central Luzon University (CLSU) explained Technology Assessment Protocol and showed Spinning-off and Starting-Up Testimonials. Dr. Joanna Marie T. Guarin (ISPSC) lectured on Entrepreneurial Skills.

On the second day, Prof. Victoria N. Malaya discussed Developing Technology Transfer Plan, and Commercialization Strategies (Start-up, Spin-off, Outright Sale, TBI, and Licensing). Relatedly, Prof. Jaypee Ilacas (MMSU) talked about Market Feasibility, and Prof. Anabella G. Valdez wrapped the day up with a lecture on Production/Operations Feasibility. 

The third day was devoted to Organization/Management (Environment) Feasibility Study with Dr. Richel Royce T. Chan (UNP), Financial Feasibility with Prof. Emil James Tanagon (MMSU), and IP/Technology Valuation with Prof. Ethel Reynda Calivoso (MMSU). 

The fourth and the fifth day were focused on Marketing Plan with Prof. Jaypee Ilacas (MMSU), Operations Plan with Prof. Jayson James Balbin, HR Plan and BMC with Dr. Richel Royce T. Chan (UNP), Financial Plan with Mrs. Lenie G. Bayangos (MMSU), Technology Pricing with Prof. Ethel Reynda M. Calivoso (MMSU).

In support of the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (Republic No. 10055), this activity is part of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program in the Ilocos Region which established the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM) Offices led by MMSU and the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) in DMMMSU. The program generally aims to advance technopreneurship by duplicating the functions and initiatives of the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC) and intensify the institution’s IP protection, commercialization, technology promotion, and transfer programs to ensure that the results of its research are made available for public use and benefit. 

In her closing remarks, Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, VP for Research and Extenstion, congratulated the participants.

“This echo seminar on technology commercialization  mentorship  series aims to help mentees from different CMIs and other agencies  in Ilocos region to tap into the knowledge of those with more experience than themselves and learn faster than they would on their own, to grow their network, and to connect with leaders rather than only their peers,” she added.

This mentorship training was made possible thru the RAISE Program led by Dr. Dionisio Bucao, RAISE Region 1 Program Leader (MMSU); Regional ATBI Project Leader, Prof Victoria N. Malaya; and Project Staff, Ms. Dianne A. Peralta. All resource speakers during the training were completers of the National Training on Technology Commercialization Series sponsored by DOST-PCAARRD. (by Ayu)