TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – Aspiring startups in the province have now a nurturing space for them to succeed as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-officially launched an Innovation Hub (iHub) at its Kalinga provincial office.
“Na-meet po namin ‘yung required for an iHub,” DOST-Kalinga Provincial Director Jasmin Donaal said.
The iHub functions as a co-working space for meetings, trainings, business matching, pitching and reverse pitching, and other activities for students, researchers, startups, MSMEs, and local government units.
The space is designed to provide a more conducive and modern environment for collaboration and productivity. It features a meeting area, a dedicated computer set, STARLINK internet for reliable connection, a virtual reality system to enhance interactive learning and innovation, and other DOST-developed technologies.
The iHub aims to increase the number of startups in the region and increase the number of publicly-funded research outputs that are transferred and commercialized, according to DOST Kalinga..
The iHub launching was part of the #KaSiyensyaKordilyera Provincial Caravan on February 19-20, 2025. It was led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST-Cordillera Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog, and other DOST officials.
In his keynote speech, Solidum emphasized the goal to create wealth, jobs, and economic opportunities through science, technology, and innovation.
“We apply science, technology, innovation in our businesses, industry, in our operation at the provincial level,” he said.
He mentioned the goal to commercialize so that many people will feel the benefit, science, technology, and innovation. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
