📷: Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit (UPM-IPPAO)
TEKNOLUSUGAN 2026
MED IN UP: Matching Innovations, Creating Collaborations
The 7th iteration of TeknoLusugan took place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on May 14, 2026. It was organized by the University of the Philippines Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (UPM-TTBDO) in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) – Intellectual Property and Technology Management (IPTM). As part of the PCHRD-IPTM’s technology transfer objectives, Teknolusugan 2026 with the theme “Med in UP: Matching Innovations, Creating Collaborations,” is part of the Philippine Health Research Innovations Matching Event (PHRIME).
The event was facilitated by the Masters of Ceremony, Engr. Kevin Ocampo (Intellectual Property and Technology Manager, UPM TTBDO) and Engr. Marinela Gravidez (Assistant Business Development Manager, UPM TTBDO).
Advancing the National Health Innovation Ecosystem
As the country’s National Health Sciences Center, UP Manila has a long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare innovations, many of which are supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). TeknoLusugan 2026 was built on the foundation of an interconnected health innovation ecosystem where inventors, regulators, funders, manufacturers, and adopters collaborate to translate research into public solutions. The event was specifically designed to match UP Manila-developed and DOST-funded technologies with industry partners, communicate market needs, and accelerate the movement of these innovations from the lab to real-world impact.
Strategic Networking as a Catalyst for Connection
While earlier iterations of Teknolusugan focused on technology pitching, TeknoLusugan 2026 was packaged as a networking event that integrated pitches and expert-led panel sessions. Participants from the academe, government, industry, and non-government organizations utilized the venue for sustained and meaningful networking opportunities over the course of the program. This encouraged deep knowledge sharing and empowered the UP Manila innovators to forge direct partnerships with prospective collaborators and technology adopters.
Inspirational Leadership and Innovation Showcases
The program was opened with a welcoming address by Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio (Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, UP Manila), followed by a motivational message from Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez (President, UP). Subsequent to the opening ceremonies, several researchers presented concise seven-minute pitches to exhibit their market-ready technological solutions:
- Morning Showcase: This session highlighted ETox (a localized testing tool) presented by Ailyn M. Yabes; CFI & DEFA 1 (prognostic indicators for leptospirosis) by Jose B. Nevado, Jr. and Kervi C. Salvador; the iFIX system for external fixation by Dr. Emmanuel P. Estrella; and the Axel Virtual Care platform by Dr. Maria Eliza R. Aguila.
- Afternoon Showcase: Key presentations included new mosquito repellent mixtures by Dr. Gracia Fe B. Yu; Akapulko lotion for treating fungal ailments by Daisy-Mae A. Bagaoisan; Tsaang Gubat medicinal products by Essel N. Tolosa; and Next Generation Probiotics developed by Mia Beatriz C. Amoranto.
Multi-Stakeholder Discussions: Paving the Path to Adoption
The event featured two panel discussions that provided expert insights into the lifecycle of health innovation:
- “How Innovations Come Together”: Moderated by Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero (Director, UPM-TTBDO), this panel discussed the lab-to-market journey and supply chain synergy. Experts included Cesarson D. Pineda (Quezon City LGU), Dr. Elinor. Roquel (Vice President, Binhi Biofarms), Puela Janthria M. Palomino (Business Development Manager, Pascual Pharma Corp.), Dr. Jae Kyoun Kim (Health Specialist, Asian Development Bank), and Dr. Luis Ramon V. Rodriguez (President, MDAP).
- “Opportunities and Support for Health Innovation Adoption”: Moderated by Dr. Luis G. Sison (Director, UP System TTBDO), this session provided guidance on government and regulatory incentives as well as intellectual property support. The panel featured Francis M. Peñaflor (Acting Director, BOI), Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles (Regional Director, DOST-NCR), Dr. Irene V. Florentino-Fariñas (Director, FDA), Dr. Percival F. Almoro (AVP for Research and Innovation, UP System), and Atty. Louie Andrew C. Calvario (IPOPHL).
Cultivating Sustainable Alliances for Future Impact
The program reached its finale with a formal Recognition of Attendees and an Appreciation of Licensees, paying tribute to the diverse stakeholders committed to the commercialization of health technologies. Closing the summit, Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero shared a concluding message, marking the fruition of new strategic partnerships designed to transition homegrown medical research into transformative public health solutions.
