DLSU’s 2nd tech fair highlights ‘converging green innovations’

MANILA, Philippines - Raising awareness about ecologically efficient technologies and sustainable innovations and their important role in shaping the future of education and in nation-building were the highlight of this year’s Innovation and Technology Fair: Ideas and Solutions for Nation-building (DITECH) organized by the De La Salle University last March 26-27.

The DITECH now on its second year, DLSU has once again held its biggest integrated innovation and technology fair with this year’s theme, “Converging Green Innovations,” at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall.

With more than 50 technologies and inventions from the colleges of Engineering, Science, Computer Studies, Business, and Education, the event showcased all sustainable ideas and global solutions by faculty, students, and university staff.

The exhibit also brought together students, educators and influencers who all share the same passion for science and technology.

The technologies and inventions showcased during the fair represented five different industrial zones deemed as the most relevant in shaping the future: education, energy and environment, food and health, animation and game development, and disaster and risk reduction.

Among the winners of the exhibit were Development of an Environmental Remote Sensing System for Various Applications:  Harmful Algal Blooms by Dr. Joel Ilao (College of Computer Studies) and Dr. Eric Punzalan (College of Science) for the Green Convergence Award; and Rice as Drug Delivery Agent for Vitamins by Dr. Drexel Camacho (College of Science) for the Product Innovation Award.

The Technological Innovation Award was given to Eduardo Tibayan Jr. from the College of Science for his work called Nanomaterials for Sensor Applications.

Industry experts also graced the two-day exhibit with interactive sessions about technology innovation, intellectual property protection, and technology commercialization. 

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus, program manager of Outreach Asia and Google SEA, delivered the keynote lecture on “Cultivating Innovation: The Google Experience.” National Academy of Science and Technology student winners, Shopinas.com president Sheila Luna, BB Technologies Media Productions CEO Richard Estueta, and co-founder and VP for intellectual properties of Xylos Corp. USA Dr. Gonzalo Serafica also engaged the crowd in their thought-provoking discussions as well.

DITECH is a collaboration of the DLSU Innovation and Technology Office and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation. The two-day event also had participants from different schools and institutions from across the country.