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Two Filipino inventions receive gold recognition in Geneva tilt

The winning inventions are a quick dengue detection system and a portable smart surface system

BIOTEK M. Currently still in development, the Biotek M Dengue-Aqua is being designed to expedite clinical dengue testing. Photo from DOST.

MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipino inventions made quite a mark in the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions) in Switzerland held from April 11 to 15: the Portable Smart Surface System and Biotek-M Dengue Aqua Kit.

Each won a gold medal in the highly-prestigious competition, while Smart Surface also came home with a "Jury Distinction" to boot.

The Smart Surface, an electronic sensor, is "a system that converts virtually any flat surface into an interactive interface" which then can be used "to enhance the learning...by offering interactive learning environments that increase learning effectiveness through participation," explains the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST through its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), headed by director Edgar Garcia, brought and presented the two inventions in Geneva, along with a third Philippine entry that did not get recognition.

The Smart Surface project was led by Dr. Nestor Michael Tiglao, and computer engineering alumnus Charles Kevin Verdad, while the University of the Philippines Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UPD EEEI) developed the interactivity system. The DOST's Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) funded and monitored the project.

On the other hand, UP Manila's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the National Institute of Health (IMBB-NIH)developed Biotek-M, which is said to be a confirmatory test for use in detecting the presence of dengue infection inside an hour or less in hospitals and stand-alone chain laboratories.

"Biotek-M poses opportunities to early detection of the disease especially in the marginalized communities where dengue cases are most often reported," says a report in the DOST website.

Coincidentally, the Biotek-M receives the recognition at an interesting time as the scandal involving the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, continues to rage on in the country. (READ: Dengvaxia death? Parents sue Duque for obstruction of justice)

PH REPS. Director Edgar Garcia (right) and Ivan Garcia, Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, hold the plaques for gold medal winners Smart Surface and Biotek-M at the 2018 Geneva Inventions competition in Switzerland. Photo from DOST-TAPI

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña lauded the two inventions for the recognition they earned as he cited the new technologies as examples of making good use of research and development (R&D) being supported by the department.

“We are thankful that we are being supported by the national leadership,” he said at the 3rd National R&D Conference held on April 20 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

The Geneva Inventions bills itself as "the biggest international event dedicated to feature the newest creations worldwide." Also serving as a marketplace for licenses for industrialists, distributors, and financial experts, Geneva Inventions receives support from the Swiss government and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

There were 22 categories in the competition, with the Philippines joining in 3 categories: agriculture, health, and information communications technology. The five-day exhibition was attended by 822 exhibitors, displaying a thousand inventions, from 40 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Continued development

To continue the development of the two winning projects, TAPI chief Garcia said his agency through its Technology Innovation for Commercialization (Technicom) program will assist Smart Surface with P4,997,635.20, including help in protecting their intellectual property (IP). For Biotek-M, TAPI through its venture financing will secure funds amounting to P6 million in support of its commercialization.

While Smart Surface's patent application is still pending, Garcia said, Biotek-M's patent has already been approved.

With the DOST helping in the commercialization, much is hoped for in the viability of the two projects. – Rappler.com

MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is urging higher education institutions (HEIs) and research and development institutes (RDIs) to send proposals for the department’s 2018 R&D Leadership (RDLead) program.

DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday submission of proposals for the RDLead program is until June 21.

The RDLead program, Guevara said, is part of the DOST’s Science for Change Program (S4CP).

“(It) aims to identify areas that need enhanced R&D investments and innovations,” she explained.

Institutions with approved proposals would be provided with assistance to improve their existing R&D facilities, Guevara said.

Just recently, the DOST announced 6 HEIs that got a grant to build their niche centers through the agency’s Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program.

Guevara earlier told PNA that the grant for NICER depends on the HEIs’ requests or needs, as long as the department could afford the amount.

With the RDLead program, the DOST also targets to strengthen the capabilities of researchers in HEIs and RDIs.

According to DOST, the RDLead’s proponent–called RDLeader–will be given incentives, such as PHP159,000 to PHP178,000 per month, depending on the nature and scope of agreed duties and responsibilities for the project, as well as an annual medical insurance.

To be qualified as an RDLeader, one must have at least 10 years working experience in a reputable R&D institution or academe, with a doctorate degree, has made an outstanding contribution in his or her field of specialization, with competent leadership skills, and has several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Applicants who don’t have a doctorate degree may still qualify if their fields of expertise are aligned with the DOST’s National R&D agenda and priorities.

For proposal requirements, one may contact National Research Council of the Philippines Director Marieta Sumagaysay at the NRCP’s office in DOST, Bicutan, Taguig City. She may be reached at phone numbers 837-6143 or 837-2071 local 2510.

Testing labs support forest-based and related industries

Testing labs support forest-based and related industries

(The Philippine Star) - April 26, 2018 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s furniture, pulp and paper, and plywood industries have found a partner in their bid to make it in the world market – the FTL or FPRDI Testing Laboratories of the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI).

Certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) thru the Philippine Accreditation Bureau, the three laboratories (one each for furniture, pulp and paper, and plywood) conducted 1,394 tests for 515 customers last year, and earned an income of about P4.07 million.

According to the FTLs’ quality manager Adela Torres, “having products tested by an ISO-certified lab ensures our clients that they get consistently valid results, and gives them the credibility they need to access new markets overseas, maintain their presence in old markets, and meet the demands of certain government agencies.”

Customers who had their products assessed by an ISO-certified lab no longer need to have them re-tested since the standards used by these facilities are globally recognized. This saves time and money for exporters.

“One of the FTLs’ long-time clients is the government’s Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service,” Torres said. “The service requires all its suppliers to submit samples of their paper products to DOST-FPRDI. Only those companies that pass the tests will qualify for public bidding. This centralized and direct purchase by the PS saves the government about 30 percent in the cost of its paper supplies.”

For furniture products, on the other hand, only firms that meet the FTL’s evaluation can take part in the public bidding process of the Department of Education. – Rizalina Araral, S&T Media Service

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/business/science-and-environment/2018/04/26/1809379/testing-labs-support-forest-based-and-related-industries#bCyZlkoV0iLCkjyz.99