UP launches expanded University Innovation Fellowships program, introduces 6th batch of fellows

Clariza Concordia

May 28

Discussing the significance of the University Innovation Fellowship, UP System TTBDO Director Luis Sison said, "We need to increase our industry networking, hence our activity today." Photo by Kevin Roque, MPRO

UP launches expanded University Innovation Fellowships program

With the aim of enhancing research impact and fostering university-industry collaboration, the University Innovation Fellowships (UIF) was launched on May 20, 2024, at the Executive House, UP Diliman. The University of the Philippines System's Transfer and Business Development Office (UP TTBDO) led the event in partnership with the UP Saliksik Lab (SikLab).

Also introduced in the launching event were the sixth batch of fellows from various UP constituent units, who provided a brief background on their research.

According to UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo Cubillan, the UIF program paves the way for the "[creation] of a robust ecosystem for a strong partnership between the academe and the industry."

Cubillan also emphasized the university's role in fostering innovation among researchers. "We equip them with the necessary tools and skills, and networking and partnerships," he added.

UP President Angelo Jimenez also delivered his message of support to the sixth batch of fellows. "I am committed to [getting] every available resource, every available policy, every available adjustment that is in my power to make sure you succeed," he said.

Meanwhile, TTBDO Director Luis Sison gave updates on the milestones on the UP System's technology transfer. As of May 2024, the TTBDO has forged agreements with 62 industry partners. Among the industry sectors are agriculture and food, health, energy, environment, ICT and manufacturing.

Sison also shared TTBDO's plans for the next five years. "We aim to produce over 180 technology products and services, 24 new startups, 120 enterprises with increased revenues, and 90 new technology ventures," he said.

Driving innovation through research and development

*UP President Angelo Jimenez delivers his message of support to the Batch 6 of the University Innovation Fellowship held at the Executive House in UP Diliman. Photo by Kevin Roque, MPRO*

As a public service and research university, UP plays a crucial role in driving innovation and progress in the country. The university believes that one way of creating an ecosystem of innovation is through technology transfer, where research is translated into practical applications.

A specific intervention is to expand the University Innovation Fellowship Program. Founded in May 2019, the University Innovation Fellowship provides a platform for researchers to collaborate, and receive mentorship and resources to turn their research into a commercially viable product. Qualified participants receive Invention Disclosure Incentives of PhP45,000, University Innovation Fellows, PhP72,000; and Technology Transfer Bridge-Funding Grant, PhP300,000.

To date, the UIF program has successfully trained and supported 27 teams composed of more than 30 inventors and researchers, and more than 60 business development and intellectual property officers. The program has also generated over 30 agreements of commercial and non-commercial licenses, research services, collaborative research, and material transfer agreements.

Extending the fellowship to SUCs

The university also plans to expand its fellowship program to state universities and colleges (SUCs). This year, the university set its target to 30 representatives from different SUCs nationwide. For the next five years, UP hopes to have collaborated with over 200 SUCs.

The university believes that partnerships with SUCs are crucial in advancing higher learning in the country. As such, UP is determined to extend its resources to SUCs.