With the establishment of 37 new innovation hubs, the Philippine innovation ecosystem is brimming with opportunities and growth, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) said.
DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed confidence that the Research and Development (R&D) Centers or Niche Centers in the Regions or NICER will accelerate science, technology and innovation (STI) in the country.
“Through these cutting-edge NICERs, we are confident that the Philippine innovation ecosystem is brimming with opportunities and growth as these facilities boost the key elements of the ecosystem, which are human capital and education, creation and transfer of knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration,” he said in his message during the first NICER Summit held on Dec. 3.
The virtual event is anchored on the theme, “Accelerating STI in the Country through a Regionally Inclusive R&D.”
For the industry, energy, emerging technologies, 12 Niche Centers were showcased as part of DOST-PCIEERD’s contribution to the Philippines’ thriving innovation ecosystem.
“They will come up with technologies that will address our challenges on affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, disaster risk reduction and climate action, and innovations in the industry,” Paringit said.
The 12 NICERs include Ateneo de Davao University’s Center for Renewable Energy; University of Santo Tomas’ Center for Advanced Materials for Clean Energy Technologies using Indigenous Materials; Technological Institute of the Philippines’ R&D Center for Advanced Batteries; Cagayan State University’s E-mobility R&D Center; Rizal Technological University’s Center for Astronomy R&D; University of the Cordilleras’ Mountain Engineering R&D Center; University of the Philippines- Cebu’s Center for Environmental Informatics; Mariano Marcos State University’s Coastal Engineering R&D Center; Laguna State Polytechnic University’s Center for Lakes Sustainable Development; Isabela State University’s Smart Water Infrastructure R&D Center; Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology’s Center for Sustainable Polymers; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Environmental Technologies and Compliance R&D Center.
Paringit said as DOST unveiled 37 new NICERs, the DOST-PCIEERD expressed hope that “more Filipinos will be inspired to explore various scientific fields and eventually be a part of the S&T community.”
“With the NICER Program, every region’s strength can bolster development all throughout the country,” he said.
“We encourage all of you to collaborate with us and establish your own Niche Centers to contribute to nation building.”