BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology gathered innovators, researchers, and technopreneurs from the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Central Luzon in Baguio City for the North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit (NLITTS) 2025 in efforts to transform market-driven innovations as driver of inclusive development.
The summit aims to serve as a vital platform for promoting government-funded innovations and building meaningful partnerships among higher education institutions (HEIs), research and development institutions (RDIs), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and government entities.
“This Summit is a true embodiment of ‘Filipinnovation’ — our celebration of Filipino ingenuity and scientific excellence. Specifically, it brings together brilliant minds from the Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, united by the common goal of transforming groundbreaking innovations into real-world solutions for the people,” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in his keynote message delivered by DOST Asst. Secretary Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr.
The Secretary also highlighted the importance of Innovation and Technology Transfer and Commercialization (TTC) in bringing progress in every community in the country.
“TTC stands as a cornerstone of national progress. It bridges the gap between research and the market through direct licensing, and creation of spin-off companies. TTC is about people — transforming lives, creating decent jobs, and building thriving communities. I call on our researchers, technology transfer officers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs and policymakers to collaborate and strengthen this mission,” Solidum pointed out.
The event included two plenary forums, namely: Pathways to Successful Technology Commercialization, and Technology Readiness and Commercialization. The first aims to guide technology generators on how to bring their technologies to market by accessing various government programs and on understanding technopreneurship. The second aims to broaden knowledge on assessing technology readiness and market readiness levels and on exploring how technologies can help build smart and sustainable communities.
Meanwhile, the “TechTalk: Success Stories of Technology Adopters” provided inspirations on how innovations help expand the businesses, improve productivity, and increase income of the presenters
A highlight of the summit was the “Smart Solution Pitch Competition: Addressing MSME Challenges” wherein HEIs from CAR, Regions 1, 2, and 3 presented their smart and innovative ideas specifically designed to address the unique challenges, gaps, and needs of local MSMEs under the categories of food processing, agriculture, and gifts, decors, and handicrafts.
On the other hand, the TechPitch: Commercializing Innovation served as an opportunity for researchers and technology generators from HEIs and RDIs in North Luzon to present their government-funded mature technologies for potential commercialization by MSMEs.
For the duration of the summit from April 23 to 25, research and development projects developed locally by HEIs, RDIs, and MSMEs from North Luzon were showcased in a technology exhibit.
“Innovation must continue to move forward — boldly and purposefully. Together, let’s push Filipino innovations to the global stage and continue to champion a future shaped by sustainability, resilience, and shared prosperity,” Solidum said. (CCD/PIA CAR)
