USTP S&T Parks Forum 2026 advances academe-industry collaboration through research and innovation
By Anne Lorraine R. Sitoy, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), through the Office of the USTP System President, convened industry leaders, researchers, and selected students for the USTP S&T Parks Forum 2026 on October 14 at the Palladium Ballroom, Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, to identify industry challenges and explore collaborative solutions through research, technology, and innovation.
Anchored on the theme “U-IGNITE: USTP Innovate. Grow. Network. Inspire. Transform. Engage.”, the forum focused on aligning university research and student projects with industry needs and developing partnerships that address regional priorities.
In his synthesis, USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II emphasized the importance of translating the forum’s discussions into concrete actions and measurable results.
“Let us remember that the success of this forum will not be determined by the number of ideas we have generated today, but by the action we take, the partnership we build, and the tangible result we achieve together,” Dr. Cultura said.
He identified food and water security, healthcare, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development, artificial intelligence (AI), and workforce readiness as priority areas for research and innovation. He also highlighted the need to connect industry challenges with faculty research, student theses and capstone projects, extension initiatives, and industry-based training.
The forum adopted Open Space Technology (OST), a participatory approach facilitated by Atty. Franklin M. Quijano, OST resource speaker-facilitator. During the Opening Circle, Atty. Quijano framed the central question: “What pressing and emerging industry challenges can we address together through research, technology, and innovation?”
Participants identified and discussed eight areas:
- Food Security and Nutrition
- Technology for Health Care
- Water: Super El Niño Crisis Security
- Connecting MSMEs to Technology and Academic (Technology Match Making)
- Cheap Energy
- Sustainable Water Transportation (Transport System)
- Ethical use of AI
- Collaboration between Private Sector and Academe
Through the Open Space sessions, participants examined these concerns and explored opportunities for joint research and development, technology solutions, testing and prototyping, student thesis and capstone projects, training, and technology transfer and commercialization.
The discussions culminated in group reports, during which participants presented their findings and proposed opportunities for collaboration. Atty. Quijano encouraged participants from other groups to share additional insights and raise questions after each presentation.
Dr. Cultura also highlighted the role of USTP’s science and technology parks and technology business incubation in supporting technology transfer, enterprise development, and stronger connections among researchers, industries, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and communities. He underscored the need for responsible AI governance and better pathways for research outputs and student innovations to reach practical application.
The forum concluded with a Closing Circle facilitated by Atty. Quijano who challenged participants to carry forward the discussions and follow through on their commitments.
Through the forum, USTP seeks to turn identified industry challenges into collaborative initiatives that advance research, innovation, industry development, and community empowerment.
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