With the aim of bolstering the capacities of DOST ISU Smart City Technology Incubator (DISC-TBI) Cohort 2 incubatees/startups through providing awareness on IP protection, business registration, and technology commercialization, as well as enhancing their skills in crafting their business portfolios, DISC-TBI conducted its Consultative Meeting at the DISC-TBI Office, 2nd Floor ISU Cauayan Gymnasium, January 24.
The meeting commenced with a quick “kamustahan,” moderated by Mr. Ronald Isidro, TBI Event Manager, highlighting the progress of their projects. Each startup shared some achievements and milestones for the year 2023, such as the status of their prototypes, MOAs with their partner agencies, and challenges they had encountered. Through these sharings, the TBI core team was able to grasp the needed support for each startup.
Meanwhile, Dr. Arnel Fajardo, TBI Manager, delivered his welcome message, reminding the startups of the purpose why they are incubated by DISC-TBI.
Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, DISC-TBI Project Leader, enlivened the session by realigning the startups’ mindset toward technology commercialization. She emphasized the importance of gaining traction, securing startups’ intellectual creations, and enhancing their business portfolios. “We want to listen to what your concerns are, both financially and emotionally,” Dr. Aguinaldo said during her brief orientation on the purpose of the meeting.
To raise awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Ms. Joe Ann Gayo, TBI Patent Agent, discussed the IPR requirements, application documents, and registration fees.
Dr. Regine Manzanillo, TBI Training Manager, provided an overview of the Business Registration Process, focusing on do’s and don’ts when registering their business permits.
Mr. Heherson Valdez, TBI Information Officer, presented updates on completed trainings and future trainings to be conducted under the Touch N’ Go Training Module.
After the discussions, the startups began filling out the IP forms, guided by Mr. Matt Matias, TBI Project Development Officer, along with the TBI core team.
DISC-TBI also awarded seed funds and iDeaTech Challenge prizes to the incubatees, which will be used for the development of their prototypes.
Follow-up virtual one-on-one consultative meetings will be scheduled to track their progress on the given requirements for IPR application and business portfolios.
