A regional technology summit is helping bridge the gap between Filipino research and real-world applications by connecting technology developers with businesses, startups, and local governments.
Researchers, technology developers, startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and local government representatives gathered in Butuan City for the Mindanao Innovation Technology Transfer Summit held on October 27–28, 2026.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Caraga, the two-day event brought together around 250 participants to showcase government-funded technologies and explore opportunities to bring research-based solutions into businesses and communities.
Connecting Research With Industry Needs
One of the summit's notable activities was reverse pitching, an approach that allows businesses and local government units (LGUs) to present their challenges and identify areas where researchers and technology developers can provide solutions.
Instead of simply presenting available technologies, the activity encourages collaboration by allowing potential adopters to communicate their actual needs. This can help researchers develop solutions that respond more directly to industry and community concerns.
Helping Businesses Adopt New Technologies
The summit also highlighted opportunities for businesses and LGUs to access government support for technology adoption.
Through DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), eligible enterprises can receive assistance in improving operations through technology, equipment, and technical support.
These initiatives can help local businesses become more productive and competitive while giving homegrown innovations a pathway toward practical use.
Strengthening Mindanao's Innovation Ecosystem
Bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and government institutions creates opportunities for partnerships that can extend beyond technology exhibitions and presentations.
For Mindanao's growing innovation ecosystem, connecting research with potential adopters is an important step toward turning locally developed ideas into products, services, and solutions that address regional needs.
The summit reflects the importance of collaboration in building a stronger technology transfer environment—one where research does not stop in laboratories but reaches the industries and communities that can benefit from it.