The University of the Philippines Mindanao, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technnogy- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
Development (DOST-PCIEERD), launched an innovation hub dubbed as UP Growing and Developing Enterprise or UPGRADE on 19 September 2019 at UP Mindanao Campus, Davao City.
UPGRADE InnoLab is funded through a grant received by UP Mindanao under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneruship (HEIRIT) Program of DOST. It will serve as a technology business incubator in the University with niche program on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for sustainable food systems. UPGRADE InnoLab is expected to provide mentorship, training, and incubation program to scalable startups that addresses gaps in sustainable food system, food products, bio-economu, smart industries, green economies, and support to community solutions.
The said project was initiated to help innovators and business enthusiasts to create impact-driven and investable startups. UP Mindanao and DOST is hopeful that increasing the number of startups will generate jobs in the future and contribute to the entire economic growth of the country. The event was witnessed by the Univeristy officials, employees, students, stakeholders, and other agency-partners.
Remarks were given by UP Mindanao chancellor Larry Digal, Department of Science and Technology-XI Regional Director Anthony Sales, DOST PCIEERD Deputy Director Raul Sabularse, UP Mindanao TBI manager Miguel Carlo Guillermo, and DOST Research Information
and Technology Transfer Division chief Russell Pili.
