Researchers from the DMMMSU Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI) secured the championship title in the Professional Category at the DOST 2024 Regional Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access, and Growth (SILLAG) Startup Summit and Hackathon held at DMMMSU-Fisheries Research Training Institute (FRTI), Balaoan, La Union on October 14-15, 2024.

The winning team was composed of Engr. Junalyn C. Dasugo (CEO), Ms. Aileen G. Carriedo, and Engr. Anielyn A. Pai-Lopez from Post-Cocoon R&D Section, and Engr. Jerry S. Valencia from Technology Transfer and Utilization Section.

SilkVerse, the team’s entry, swiftly made it to the top of judges’ list. The platform is designed to help clients realize their vision of personalized and custom-designed silk products by offering customizable options and direct collaboration with local artisans. A key feature is its use of augmented reality, allowing clients to visualize how different silk garments would look on them in real-time.

DOST SILLAG Startup Summit and Hackathon is a program that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing together the brightest minds from across the region to pitch groundbreaking ideas and solutions. The event featured three-minute pitching competitions.

This success reinforces DMMMSU-SRDI’s position as a leader in sericulture research and development. The team’s success demonstrates the potential of merging tradition with technology, positioning SRDI at the forefront of industry innovation.  

The team encourages others to join them in their mission with their mantra, “revolutionize the silk industry, one beautiful thread at a time.”  (Junalyn C. Dasugo)