UPLB Research and Extension News

Operate at the heart of research.

UP Los Baños opens its 155-hectare Science and Technology Park (S&T Park) to the business sector in the second Laguna Business and Investment Exposition (LBIX). LBIX 2010 will be held from March 4 to 5 at Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa City.

On March 4, Mr. Elias Abao Jr., a development management officer from the Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE) will be discussing the operations and management of the UPLB S&T Park including the rates and requirements.

The S&T Park is being managed by the Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE) together with Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and APEC Center for Technology Exchange and Training for Small and Medium Enterprise (ACTETSME).

Currently, four companies are operating in the UPLB S&T Park, namely: Pioneer Hi-bred, O’Mark Enterprises, PhilHybrid Inc., and BioSpark Corporation. Pioneer Hi-Bred is a multinational company that performs experiments on high breed rice. It has been operating in the UPLB S&T Park since June 2009.

O’Mark Enterprises is being operated by the inventor of Virgin Coconut Oil, Dr. Teresita M. Espino. Their products include virgin coconut soap and virgin coconut oil, which are being exported in Asia.

PhilHybrid Inc. set up base in the S&T Park in September 2004.They conduct experiments on Embryo Culture Macapuno (ECM). Their products are ECM seedlings, sweetened macapuno, and macapuno candies. According to Angelica Lobos, a tissue specialist in PhilHybrid Inc., they chose S&T Park because of its credibility and low rental fee.

Currently, the BioSpark Corporation facility is under construction and will start operation this February.

The UPLB S&T Park provides the opportunity for enhancing existing bio-industries and develops new and advanced agro-based products that have potential for exportation here and abroad. It also establishes a network of industries, universities, and research institutions.

Through the establishment of the S&T Park, UPLB constituents have a venue for hands-on training in the areas of industrial microbiology, agro-biotechnology, and engineering science. S&T Park will also help the UP system to direct the strategy in promoting technology commercialization efforts while enhancing agro-industrial and economic development in the immediate vicinity. Moreover, it will enable the UPLB to accelerate the use of its research findings.