BAGUIO CITY – The North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit 2025 officially kicked off on April 23, in Baguio City, bringing together innovators, researchers, government leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs to reaffirm the role of science, research, and technology in shaping sustainable and resilient communities.
Carrying the theme “Leveraging Technology Transfer and Commercialization for Smart and Sustainable Communities,” the summit seeks to highlight the critical importance of research and development in addressing the pressing challenges of today’s world ranging from climate change and food security to education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), the summit is designed to promote the commercialization of mature, locally-developed technologies, create bridges between academic research and industry, and build strategic partnerships among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Research and Development Institutions (RDIs), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and government agencies.
The event commenced with the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony of the summit’s Technology Exhibit, which showcases government-funded innovations and groundbreaking research from across the Northern Luzon region. The ceremony was led by DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, alongside top national and regional officials including Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Maria Teresa De Guzman, Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications and Commercialization Napoleon Juanillo, Jr., and DOST Regional Directors Teresita Tabaog (Region 1), Virginia Bilgera (Region 2), Julius Caesar Sicat (Region 3), and NCR representative Engr. Romelen Tresvalles. Also present were Eduardo Fugoso from DOST-OUSECRO, Marvin Eric Dela Cruz from DOST-TAPI, Christopher Depnag from CHED-CAR, Dindo Umali from DITTB, representatives from IPOPHL, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Central Luzon State University President Evaristo Abella.
In her keynote address, Director Bantog underscored the essential role of research and science in driving inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in regional and countryside communities.
“This summit serves as a vital platform for promoting government-funded innovations and building meaningful partnerships between HEIs, RDIs, MSMEs, and government entities,” she said. “Our aim is to transform market-driven innovations into real-world solutions that empower communities.”
She added that fostering a strong culture of innovation and scientific collaboration is more important than ever in building a future-ready society. “We envision a North Luzon where research is not confined to laboratories, but translated into accessible technologies that improve the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Throughout the three-day event, participants can expect a series of technology showcases, business matching opportunities, and panel discussions tackling topics such as innovation ecosystems, intellectual property management, and sustainable technology transfer practices. The summit will also serve as a venue for forging partnerships among universities, private sector actors, and local government units.
Stakeholders believe that the summit will serve not only as a platform for dialogue and networking but as a catalyst for long-term innovation-driven development in the regions.
The North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit 2025 stands as a testament to the growing recognition of science and technology as fundamental tools for national progress and a clear call to action for all sectors of society to invest in knowledge, collaboration, and creativity. By John Hermarc P. Villanueva
