Where ideas come to life: Sustainability hub empowers young innovators
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, launched a materials library to foster innovation among students and young entrepreneurs.
It’s a hub with a wide assortment of sustainable materials, research tools and incubation programs aimed at cultivating learning and creativity among students and young entrepreneurs.
“The synergy between the DOST TBI (Technology Business Incubation) program and initiatives like this materials library is clear. We’re both committed to fostering a culture of innovation, providing resources for growth and building a connected ecosystem,” said Enrico Paringit, executive director for the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.
In the hub, learners can find plant-based leather alternatives, fiber foam, silk waste, porous bio-composite, fluted stones, ceramics and polymers.
The hub also provides learners with easy access to the physical material collection subscriptions, an innovation wall and desktop setups for research purposes.
Pantones and textile samples are available for viewing
The educational space, created in collaboration with DLS-CSB’s Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi), is located at the Design and Arts (D+A) Campus in Manila.
“This is not just a space filled with cutting-edge materials and resources but also a testament to our collective vision for a future where creativity and technology converge to solve the world’s pressing challenges,” Benilde HiFi director Paul Pajo said.
During the recent launch, Benilde HiFi Incubation management unit head Alexander Abear presented young innovators who showcased their out-of-the-box initiatives, with hopes of becoming validated and supported by government agencies.
Innovative projects
Social enterprises REPAMANA, Sari-cycling and Everything Green Trading and Consulting are all part of the Benilde Trailblazer Start-up Incubation Program of Benilde HiFi.
“These innovative projects are currently undergoing IP protection with the help of our Center for Intellectual Property Management to safeguard the brilliant ideas and hard work of these trailblazers,” Abear said.
REPAMANA, co-founded by Fashion Design and Merchandising alumni Dars Juson and Allesandra Gutierrez and Multimedia Arts student Earl Marquez, repurposes discarded hotel textiles such as bedsheets into contemporary garments.
The Philippine Fashion Coalition recently chose REPAMANA to represent the country in Singapore Stories 2024, a key initiative of the Singapore Fashion Council.
“We believe in circularity through second chances not just in our materials but also in the environment and the workforce we have,” REPAMANA’s Juson said.
Sari-cycling executive director and Arts Management student Bramwell Gonzales, for his part, said his team’s sustainability-led advocacy introduces people-centered waste management solutions to communities.
This is done in collaboration with local government units.
“We institutionalized green waste management. We aim to reduce waste, collect it and divert it for the environment. We adhere to the principles of a circular economy, which are collection, diversion and repurposing,” Gonzales said.
Sourcing materials sustainably
The materials hub also hopes to educate future entrepreneurs on the importance of sourcing materials sustainably.
As Everything Green Trading and Consulting chief ‘greenovator’ and Benilde HiFi entrepreneur-in-residence Camille Albarracin said, eco-solutions also encourage partner communities to become self-sufficient.
Her start-up is known for its flagship product “Gree-ne-las,” a local brand of environment-friendly slippers.
“Our mission is to create eco-solutions by ‘greenovating’ products through empowered craftsmanship and expertise not only for the hospitality industry but for several industries,” said Albarracin, an alumna of Benilde’s Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Championing Filipino talent
Moving forward, Benilde School of Environment and Design dean Harvey Vasquez hopes to allot an area in the library for local suppliers in the industry.
He also aims to involve students and incubatees in the project and encourage them to come up with proposals that can be recognized internationally.
“We’re hoping that we can grow this community because coming up with new, innovative, and sustainable materials is important for us to battle climate change and climate injustice,” Vasquez said.
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