UP Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Hosts Grand Demo Day for Innovation and Collaboration
The University of the Philippines Technology Transfer and Business Development Office recently hosted “Grand Demo Day: Milestone in Innovation, Gateways to Impact.” The event took place on October 14-15, 2025, at the Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City.
Event Overview
This event served as a culmination of various university initiatives, including the University Innovation Fellowship and Business Modelling Product-Market Fit programs. It provided a setting for team-scholars from multiple Philippine research institutions to discuss collaborative opportunities and seek support for their innovative projects.
Funding Opportunities
Teams presented their initiatives with the objective of obtaining funding from available sources such as the UP System Bridge Fund Academic Award and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development. These funding avenues are intended to support projects aimed at validating, scaling, and deploying innovative solutions in practical contexts.
University Innovation Fellowship Program
Materials from the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office indicate that the University Innovation Fellowship program is designed to enhance quality research that leads to industrial applications through mechanisms such as licensing or the establishment of spin-off companies. This program includes a series of training workshops aimed at fostering an understanding of technology transfer and its implications for academia and the community.
Business Modelling Product-Market Fit Initiative
The Business Modelling Product-Market Fit initiative is a collaborative effort involving the UP Saliksik Laboratory and the UP National Engineering Center, with support from the DOST-PCIEERD. This initiative assists researchers in assessing the commercial potential of their innovations and engaging with industry partners for possible licensing, manufacturing, and investment opportunities.
Opening Remarks
During the opening remarks, TTBDO Director Luis Sison highlighted the significance of the selected venture teams in enhancing the university’s impact on market dynamics and expressed confidence in their potential contributions to their sectors.
Industry Panel Discussion
An industry panel, comprising business leaders, government representatives, and members of the innovation ecosystem, reviewed the technologies presented and engaged in interactive discussions. Notable panel members included Fred Chua, CEO of Magellan Solutions; Anniver Ryan Lapuz, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute; and Kristine Mae Magtubo, Senior Partner at the UP Sustaining Collaboration in an Advanced Learning Environment Innovation Hub, among others.
Commitment to Innovation
This event reflects the University of the Philippines’ dedication to promoting technology transfer and nurturing innovation, with the aim of bridging the gap between research and practical applications while supporting the science and technology initiatives in the Philippines.
Source: University of the Philippines Technology Transfer and Business Development Office.
