Empowering NIR Innovators: BUGLAS-NIR Consortium and DOST-PCIEERD Visit Foundation University
Representatives from the Building Unified Growth and Local Acceleration Systems - Negros Island Region (BUGLAS-NIR) Consortium and the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) paid a courtesy call to Foundation University to share new funding and incubation opportunities for local innovators.
Following the formal establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR), the consortium is actively visiting higher education institutions across the province. This campaign raises vital awareness about the technical, incubation, and development support available to schools and startup creators. The initiative directly drives DOST-PCIEERD's regional advocacy to nurture, develop, and fund grassroots technology and innovation.
Building on this momentum, Foundation University plans to formally sign a partnership with both the BUGLAS-NIR Consortium and DOST-PCIEERD. This upcoming collaboration will secure joint support and funding for future university-wide innovation initiatives, technology projects, and student and faculty-led startup ventures.
Present during these discussions were delegates from:
DOST-PCIEERD:
Engr. Edward Paul Apigo – Senior Science Research Specialist
Engr. Aubrey Joy Capuyan – Project Technical Assistant VI
Engr. Michaelangelo Operario – Project Technical Assistant IV
BUGLAS-NIR Consortium
Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV):
Engr. Jovel Young – Project Leader
Mr. Mervin Perez – Science Research Specialist II
Engr. Christian Marc Yap
Engr. Gella Mae Gaudiel
Engr. Larie Shem Natal
Silliman University:
Dr. Kim Sarong – Project Leader
Mr. Kent Kho
Present to welcome our visitors on behalf of Foundation University are:
Dr. Charlotte Carino – University Chancellor
Glene May Lusares – Assistant Vice Chancellor
Lucelle Saguban – Vice Chancellor for Administration
Alvin Kenneth Apuado – Greyhound Innovations Program and Intellectual Property Office Manager
This collaboration directly advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by uniting local universities and national government agencies to champion grassroots technology. By offering crucial funding and incubation support, the partnership transforms Foundation University into a thriving innovation hub that empowers student and faculty creators to launch impactful tech startups. This team effort creates a robust network for knowledge-sharing and resource-pooling, successfully bridging the gap between local talent and national funding to drive sustainable economic growth across the Negros Island Region.
