DOST researches bag awards at Geneva tilt
DELEGATES from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) won awards at the recent 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG).
Considered one of the world’s largest invention exhibition, the event showcased more than 1,000 innovations and inventions across over 40 organizations and universities.
In collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Geneva exhibition recognizes inventions that respond to global problems, contribute to the advancement of innovation on a global scale, and contribute to the economic and technological development of a country.
The inventions and technologies that were featured were from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (Pnri)—which addresses different fields from healthcare and agriculture, to food and water, to sustainable fashion, said Matt Jerome Casequin of Dost-technology Application and Promotion Institute.
The inventions and technologies that were featured in the Geneva exhibit were the following:
■ The “Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning” presented by Ms. Mariciar Carandang from DOST-ITDI won a bronze.
Inspired with a desire to add value to locally-produced salts, Carandang and her team infused traditional salts with bursts of flavors, a concept that emerged in 2015 during a stakeholders meeting with local salt producers.
Drawing on indigenous ingredients, they crafted a blend that not only excites taste buds but also boasts of a lower sodium content and wealth of added minerals, without preservatives.
The DOST-ITDI’S flavored salt emphasizes the potential for collaboration and innovation by establishing partnerships with salt producers, flavor companies, and culinary experts.
■ Another technology from the DOST-ITDI was the “Safewatrs Mobile Water Disinfection System” presented by Engr. Prima Joy Margarito.
The technology won a silver as a transformative solution, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
Tackling the pressing issue of water scarcity during disasters and in rural areas plagued by contamination or disruptions in water supply, providing access to safe drinking water, the invention runs on solar energy, making it eco-friendly and able to operate even in areas without electricity.
Engaging in applied research and development, the DOSTITDI focuses on cultivating novel insights, technologies, and advancements within industrial manufacturing, mineral processing, and energy sectors.
The institute facilitates knowledge translation, technology transfer, and commercialization. It cultivates expertise in pioneering technology and product innovation.
■ The “New Hemostat Technology” presented by Charito Aranilla of the DOSTPNRI won the silver award.
The technology filled a gap in the healthcare, emergency response, and defense sectors, providing sustainable, accessible, and affordable biomedical devices for emergency health intervention.
The New Hemostat Tech was also a DOST National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) Likha Award winner for Outstanding Creative Research in 2022.
■ Another silver award was bagged by the PNRI for “Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels.”
Lorna Relleve presented it for its versatility and wideranging applications in various industries, including healthcare and agriculture.
CMHA Hydrogels offer a safe, biocompatible alternative to conventional products, free from toxic residues.
■ The DOST-PNRI’S “Super Water Absorbent Gels” received a bronze award for its promise to revolutionize irrigation methods, enhance crop productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of drought. It was presented by Relleve and Aranilla.
“Sometimes our researches do not work. But do not give up easily, just keep on trying until you get it right,” Relleve said.
The DOST-PNRI spearheads research and development initiatives, and provides regulation to ensure compliance with established safety protocols, safeguarding the well-being of radiation workers and the public at large.
It conducts extensive research on radiation and nuclear techniques, materials, and processes.
It likewise facilitates the dissemination of research outcomes to end-users through technical extension and training services.
■ A bronze award was bagged by the DOST-PTRI for its” Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile,” an eco-friendly bamboo-based fabric.
The material offers softness, breathability, and moisturewicking properties ideal for various clothing applications offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations.
“The experience here in Geneva brought us up to speed with the developments in the field,” said DOST-PTRI Director Julius L. Leano Jr. at the 49th IEIG.
“We were able to see the opportunities that we have, not just for the technology but also to further improve it and make it even more relevant,” he added.
■ Also from the DOSTPTRI, the “Lyocell and Natural Fiber-blended Yarns” secured a bronze for its superior quality and durability while being environmentally friendly.
It served as an example of the immense potential that sustainable textiles hold in today’s fashion industry.
Evangeline Manalang, who presented the technology, said that the journey was very exciting.
“When we arrived in Geneva, we saw more than a thousand inventions… [which] were very impressive. But Filipino inventions are also worth showing in the global stage,” she added.
The DOST-PTRI conducts applied research and development for the textile sector, transfers research findings to end-users, and provides technical services and training.
To adapt to industry changes, it regulates an integrative approach by aligning critical roadmaps, engaging stakeholders, fostering growth through development centers and modern facilities, advancing technology, and connecting Filipino products to global markets.
■ The Lyocell with Natural Fiber-blended Yarns, and two other technologies— the Super Water Absorbent Technology, and the Pili Seal— also won special awards from the King Khalid University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an institution that empowers individuals to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.
■ Besides the DOST-RDIS, two other NICE winners that participated in the 49th IEIG won awards. They were the Multi-fuel Dryer invented by Prof. Zaldy Fernandez of the Mariano Marcos State University (silver), and the Pili Seal by Engr, Mark Kennedy Bantugon (bronze).
The global event serves not only as a competition but, more importantly, as an opportunity to showcase Filipino technologies at international platforms, giving them limitless possibilities to engage with international adapters.
Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the IEIG and other international competitions will serve as a challenge to the DOST System to strive more in producing and in sending capable technologies that can be showcased in the global stage.
The participating inventors were recognized after the DOST flag ceremony on April 29.