Archives for April 21, 2021

April 7, 2021 – the Iloilo Science and Technology University launched the Kwadra TBI, a technology business incubator (TBI) aimed at commercializing university research into startups and nurturing deep technology startups.

 Deep technology refers to classification of technologies such as artificial inteligence, robotics, blockchain, advanced material science, photonics and electronics, biotech and quantum computing and other scientific & technology solutions generated through substantial scientific or engineering research & development.

This focus will leverage ISATU’s existing research & development facilities like the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC), the DTI Fabrication Laboratory, DOST Satellite Ground Center, and the research on natural products, biotech, physics and robotics.

The TBI was established through the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research & Development (DOST-PCIEERD)’s Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT).

Kwadra TBI’s services include Venture-Building, where they help scientists, engineers & innovators turn their inventions into enterprises; Business

 Support especially for services like accounting, legal, marketing, IP filing, etc; Technopreneurship & Innovation Training and Coworking and Office spaces for incubatees.

The Kwadra TBI soft launch featured welcome messages from President Raul Muyong, Vice President for Research & Extension, Carmelo Ambut, Russel M. Pili Chief, Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), Rebecca Rascon, DTI 6 Regional Director, Rowen Gelonga, DOST 6 Regional Director, and Mario Cuñado, DICT 6 Regional Director.

Representatives from the business & industry sector also gave their remarks like Lea Lara of the Iloilo Business Club, Francis Gentoral of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, and Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Iloilo.

Currently, there are about 15 startups in the pipeline applying for incubation, including university spin-offs and has a team that includes Dr. Karlo S. Sira (Project Leader), Rayjand Gellamucho (General Manager), Noreen Bautista (Marketing & Programs), Michael Llabos (Design & Promotions) and Marie Honesty Amoyan (Admin & Finance).

 

– Noreen Marian Bautista

Mr. Jessraf S. Palmares took his oath as the new Private Sector Representative to the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University during the 1st Quarter, 211th BOR Regular Meeting (Virtual), held last April 15, 2021.

Regent Palmares is a consummate expert with thirty – five (35) years of experience in the corporate world. Presently, he is the President and CEO of IloBiz Solutions Incorporated that employs around 110 personnel as full time and part time professionals. He was also the Sales Head for Visayas of ABS – CBN Corporation / Digital Terrestrial Television from July 2018 to August 2020.

Apart from being a business savvy, Regent Palmares is also known for his community involvements. He is the Chairman of Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, a tripartite council that focuses on the development of Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT – BPM). He is also the Vice – chair of Iloilo Government and Academe Council, a group that addresses the gaps between government interventions and academic offerings on industry requirements.

Other engagements include membership to the Regional Tripartite Council (DOLE 6), Board Iloilo Utilities Group, Provincial Development Council (Province of Iloilo), Iloilo Provincial Investment and Promotions Board, Red Cross of the Philippines (Passi City Chapter) and Innovate Iloilo among others.

Regent Palmares is the son of former Governor and Assemblyman Rafael Palmares Sr. and Lourdes Sombong. He is married to Janette Patriarca and is blessed with two (2) children. His role as the private sector representative to the BOR is for a term of two years or until April 15, 2023.