Tarlac State University signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) during the 6th TBI (Technology Business Incubation) Summit last November 16, 2022, at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City.
University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco personally signed the agreement, extending his support towards this project.
Out of 27 applicants, TSU is one of the 15 universities approved for TBI funding under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) program per the email communicated last November 9, 2022.
The funding will be used to classify the needs of DOST-TSU Aslagan TBI (formerly known as TSU-TALAHIB) and nurture the university’s potential startups through technology, innovation, and collaboration in food production and product development areas.
The renaming from TSU-TALAHIB (Technological Advancement for Livelihood and Holistic Innovation for Food Businesses) to DOST-TSU Aslagan is based on the DOST-PCIEERD Governing Council's recommendation after TSU passed its second proposal defense on November 3, 2022.
“Aslagan” is a Kapampangan word that means sunrise or “to be lighted upon.”
As the expedition of the DOST-TSU Aslagan TBI kicks off, the team led by Project Leader Mr. Aldrex Laxamana anticipates the full support of different partnering agencies and university offices to promote a culture of quality among food businesses and cooperation among startups, industry mentors, and investors.
The TBI Summit is an annual event that associates all DOST-funded incubators, along with other government innovation agencies, private incubators, innovators, and some international incubator managers. The activity is an avenue to promote partnership and discuss possible dilemmas of the startup community.
Themed "Homegrown Heroes: Cultivating Future Tech Giants," this year’s summit was held during the Philippine Startup Week 2022 (November 14-18, 2022) to engage startup founders, investors, corporates, academia, media, and government agencies promoting collaboration, innovation, and the available support towards further growth of the Philippine startup ecosystem.
Pres. Velasco led the TSU delegation. He was joined by the TBI members, namely project leader Mr. Laxamana, ITSO (Innovation and Technology Support Office) Manager Dr. Wilmark Ramos, food technology consultant Ms. Emmery Balbas, research consultant Mr. Jaidriel Cabanding, and technical staff Ms. Zepaniah Lacsina.
Photo credits: Ms. Zepaniah Lacsina
