IPOPHL, BukSU equip PH innovation and tech faculty network to create market-ready inventions

Sixteen state universities and colleges from across the Philippines, all part of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Network, gathered at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) from Aug. 11–15, 2025, for training on intellectual property assessment, valuation, commercialization, and technology transfer.

The five-day program was organized by the university’s Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Unit (IPTTU) in partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

BukSU IPTTU head Dr. Madelaine S. Dumandan said some institutions encounter difficulties in maximizing research results because of limited systems for IP protection, valuation, and commercialization.

“The universities’ growing research output demands a systematized framework for assessing patentability and market value of innovations,” said Dumandan. “Unfortunately, many institutions struggle with underutilized research outputs due to weak IP management systems, lack of valuation capability, and inadequate exposure to technology transfer mechanisms.”

“This national training initiative of BukSU with IPOPHL aimed at bridging a critical gap in turning research into tangible, market-ready innovations,” she added..          

IPOPHL Chief Adrian H. Sablan encouraged participants to ask questions drawn from actual experiences, including the process of commercializing and owning technology or creative products as faculty members.

“Challenge us with your difficult questions, especially questions that emanate from your real-life experiences. How do you proceed to commercializing your technology and creative product? Can you go now commercializing and owning it, being a faculty member?” said Sablan.

Participants presented inventions patented between 2019 and 2025. Resource speakers covered topics including identifying IP potential in research outputs, licensing models, creating spin-off companies, forming public-private partnerships, drafting technology transfer agreements, and implementing technology transfer in line with the Philippine Innovation Act.

The commercialization of inventions from academic institutions in the Philippines is governed by the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10055), which facilitates the transfer and commercialization of IP from government-funded research and development.

According to the law, research funded by the government or public grants aims to address real-world problems, and commercialization ensures that these outputs are developed into products or services that can be applied in society. Without this process, research could remain unused outside laboratory settings.

This initiative is a key part of BukSU’s commitment to contribute to national development priorities, particularly aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The university aims to accelerate the transformation of research into practical and marketable technologies, thereby contributing to the region’s economic and social progress. (BukSU-Information Unit)