USTP Oroquieta spearheads research commercialization at DOST TECHGROW workshop
By Ann Marie M. Chua, Department of Food Processing and Technology Faculty, USTP Oroquieta
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental (USTP Oroquieta) strengthened its commitment to transforming research into real-world solutions by participating in the Advancing Research Impact: Training-Workshop on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), Innovation Readiness Levels (IRL), and Commercialization Pathways held on March 11–12, 2026, at the N Hotel, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City.
The workshop, organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) in partnership with SCALE NCR, a DOST Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Consortium dedicated to fostering the growth and advancement of startups within the dynamic landscape of the National Capital Region (NCR) in the Philippines, gathered researchers and innovators from across the region to learn strategic approaches for translating research outputs into market-ready technologies and impactful enterprises.
Representing USTP Oroquieta were Ms. Ma. Liberty B. Doncillo, Ms. Ann Marie M. Chua, and Ms. Quimby Q. Clavicillas, who actively engaged in sessions focused on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Innovation Readiness Levels (IRL) frameworks that guide the progression of innovations from laboratory research to commercialization. During the workshop, the team proudly presented their Utility Model-registered product, highlighting how locally developed technologies can move beyond academic research and contribute to practical solutions with meaningful social and economic impact.
The two-day program featured interactive discussions, mentoring sessions, and collaborative workshops on business model development, intellectual property strategies, market validation, and government support mechanisms for innovation. Experts emphasized the importance of building strong linkages among academia, government, and industry, reinforcing the idea that innovation flourishes when research institutions collaborate with stakeholders who can help bring technologies to the market.
Following the workshop, the USTP-Oroquieta team visited Bestfriend Goodies, a key partner in the Plastiknology Project led by Ms. Ma. Liberty B. Doncillo. The enterprise, under the leadership of CEO Ms. Nenita M. Tan, specializes in high-quality ready-to-eat (RTE) food products across Mindanao. This visit served to deepen the collaboration, exploring how research-driven innovations can directly support local industries and create sustainable solutions for the community. Looking ahead, this partnership is entering an exciting new phase: an ongoing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) negotiation is currently underway between USTP’s Extension Office, Bestfriend Goodies, and the BJMP-Oroquieta.
This trilateral collaboration aims to upcycle plastic packaging waste from RTE food products into various sizes of high-quality, market-ready bags, bridging the gap between waste management and circular economy entrepreneurship.
The participation of USTP Oroquieta in the TECHGROW Training-Workshop and its engagement with industry partners mark a significant step in advancing the campus’ commitment to innovation, research utilization, and community collaboration. Through continuous partnerships and knowledge-driven initiatives, the campus moves forward in fulfilling its mission of producing globally competitive professionals and transformative technologies that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.
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