BatStateU KIST Park: Driving Innovation at BatStateU Alangilan@40
As Batangas State University celebrated four decades of excellence with "BatStateU Alangilan@40: Engineering the Future for National Development on December 17, 2024," the spotlight was on the Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology (KIST) Park.
The third segment of the day, titled "KIST Park: Engineering a Dynamic Industry and Academe Convergence," highlighted KIST Park’s distinction as the first PEZA-registered KIST Park in the Philippines, showcasing BatStateU’s leadership in driving research progress and shaping a new standard for innovation and collaboration.
The segment opened with an Audio Visual Presentation on KIST Park’s impact for R&D Collaboration, setting the tone for the discussions that followed. One of the segment's most anticipated features was the MOA Signing with Industry Locators, formalizing partnerships with key industry leaders:
The agreement solidified the commitment between BatStateU, PEZA, and the industry locators to collaborate on
innovation-driven projects, research, and talent development.
The Fireside Chat that followed the signing ceremony provided an in-depth exploration of how
academe-industry collaboration can address critical challenges. Panelists included key representatives from
PEZA, M. Reiner Guste and the industry locators: Engr. Ernest Thomas Nierras of Pythos Technology
Philippines, Mr. Jerry Sto. Tomas of FusionNode, and Engr. Troy Alagao of FM Dynamics, alongside the
University President, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo.
The discussion explored several important themes.Mr. Reiner Guste highlighted KIST Park’s distinction
as a new special economic zone under PEZA, emphasizing its aim to leverage knowledge as a key driver of
innovation, moving beyond traditional industry-focused approaches.
Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo emphasized BatStateU’s leadership in shaping the Philippine innovation
ecosystem through KIST Park. He highlighted how the park’s unique model aligns academic expertise with
industry needs, creating a platform that not only fosters groundbreaking research but also prepares students
to become leaders and innovators who can address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Mr. Jerry Sto. Tomas underscored the critical need to build a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem in the
Philippines. He expressed his goal of bringing his expertise to the country while developing local talent to
address the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape.
Engr. Troy Alagao of FM Dynamics emphasized the value of academic collaboration, outlining his plans
to work closely with BatStateU’s engineering students. He highlighted how their fresh perspectives and
technical skills could contribute to practical, industry-ready solutions, bridging the gap between
theoretical knowledge and real-world application in the field of the oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, Engr. Ernest Thomas Nierra s of Pythos Technology reflected on the journey of innovation,
emphasizing that failure is an integral part of success. He advocated for an environment that encourages
experimentation and resilience, inspiring students and researchers to pursue transformative ideas.
The panel concluded with reflections on the readiness of the Philippine innovation ecosystem to maximize the
potential of partnerships. The discussion was optimistic about the role such collaborations can play in
strengthening the country’s competitiveness and technological capabilities, positioning KIST Park as a vital
hub for innovation and growth.