Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and four multi-purpose cooperatives have formalized an agreement to commercialize intellectual property and technology tailored specifically for each business. This collaboration aims to enhance the commercial prospects of these technologies.
According to Philippines News Agency, NORSU president Dr. Noel Yasi signed the Technology Licensing Agreement alongside representatives from San Julio Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative; Mag-uumang Katawhan sa Malaiba Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Ramrod Agrarian Reform Cooperative; and MP's Bakeshoppe. The agreement is facilitated by NORSU's Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Office and receives funding from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
Dr. Johann Heinrich Malongo, the project leader of NORSU IPTBM, highlighted that the initiative provides support to institutions, agencies, and especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in safeguarding their intellectual property while pushing towards commercialization. The IPTBM is part of the Regional Aqua Innovation Systems Enhancement (RAISE) program, which involves around 91 institutions, government agencies, and state universities and colleges, including NORSU.
Malongo emphasized that the program covers technology transfer, research and development, assistance with patenting, licensing applications from the Food and Drug Association, and productivity improvements. He noted that the initiative is directed towards the agri-aqua sector and natural resources, aiding MSMEs in intellectual property management with a focus on commercialization.
Dr. Yasi expressed that the agreement benefits NORSU as it allows for the publication of research, while the larger community gains from the commercialization of research outputs. NORSU contributes manpower, facilities, the IPTBM office, and researchers to this endeavor.
DOST-PCAARD has allocated PHP2.4 million to NORSU IPTBM for the program, which commenced in October 2023 and is slated to conclude in September of the current year. The agreement outlines that the involved parties will collaborate to adapt, utilize, produce, and commercialize the technology and products developed.
Some of the products emerging from this collaboration include a ginger cookie sandwich, a composition of stuffed sweet dough buns, a method for producing squash-infused bread buns with cheesy squash filling, and a formulation of gluten-free baked brownies from taro root.
NORSU also marked the official unveiling of its IPTBM office, with DOST-PCAARRD director Noel Catibog present at the event.
