PH’s DOST spotlights spin-off technologies at the ASEAN NEXT 2021
Over 60 spin-off enterprises from all 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) joined and showcased their innovative technologies during the ASEAN NEXT 2021: ASEAN Summit on Spin-Off Technologies held virtually on 5 October 2021.
The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted this ASEAN NEXT that brought together representatives from research and development institutions, academe, businesses, industry players, and governments in the ASEAN region involved in generating spin-off technologies that are readily available for adoption or commercialization. These technologies are in three broad fields, namely: (1) agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources; (2) health; and (3) industry, energy, and emerging technologies that were featured in the Summit’s pitching sessions.
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte opened the program with a keynote address highlighting the key role of spin-off technology enterprises in the development of the country and the ASEAN region especially towards a robust post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
On the other hand, ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi addressed the ASEAN NEXT highlighting the need to establish an enabling environment for scientists, MSMEs, and startups to cultivate their innovations and ideas, and empower these key players by linking them with industry and academic and research institutions.
The event also witnessed the turnover of the ASEAN NEXT platform from Thailand to the Philippines. The virtual turnover ceremony was graced by Minister Anek Laothamatas from the Thai’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation and Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the DOST for the Philippines.
The ASEAN NEXT also provided participating spin-off technology enterprises with opportunities to network with potential investors both from the private and public sectors. These enterprises also proposed their business plans through business-to-business and business-to-government meetings.
In closing, DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara called on the AMS to take advantage of the opportunity to create and adopt cutting-edge mechanisms, to exchange and flourish ideas on the collective actions and STI priorities in the post-pandemic period, and to benefit from the region’s budding spin-off technologies.
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