THE UNIVERSITY of Immaculate Conception and the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) launched the Mobilizing Advanced Research and Innovations to Advocate Nation-Building- Technology Business Incubator (MARIAN-TBI) facility on Aug. 11.
ICT-Davao also plays a primary role in the project, along with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc., Philippine Nursing Association, Philippine Pharmacists Association, and Association for Nutrition and Dietetics.
Enrico C. Paringit, DOST-PCIEERD executive director said the facility is one of the 32 TBIs under the DOST TBI Program that will significantly contribute to the Inclusive Filipinovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap (IFER) of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“MARIAN TBI is one of the solutions for our aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators through creating a facility that champions the mobilization of research and development outputs, innovative works, and business ideas for commercialization,” Paringit said.
Paringit stressed that the TBI will open opportunities for incubators and existing business ventures to access the technical, business, legal and financial support necessary for them to succeed.
The DOST TBIs have supported 1,364 startups, generated 5,144 jobs, and generated private investments of over P248 million since 2009.
“Creating solutions to make innovations and ICT-related technologies, for the health and well-being of people could result in healthy and more productive individuals,” Paringit said.
Ma. Marissa R. Viri, UIC president said that MARIAN-TBI hub will provide various services, including mentorship, funding opportunities, networking events, and access to state-of-the-art facilities that will serve as an avenue for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and investors to grow business and receive guidance.
“Our goal is to create an environment for budding entrepreneurs to overcome the challenges they may face as they transition their business to employment and commercialization,” Viri said.
MARIAN TBI is also part of the Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups Davao.
