The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is set to showcase nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2024.
Photo retrieved from Salon International des Inventions de Genève’s Facebook Page – Cover Photo [Link: https://www.facebook.com/SalonInternationalDesInventions]
The DOST-TAPI announces its participation of nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Invention. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in showcasing Filipino ingenuity and innovation to the international community.
The agency prepares to showcase a diverse array of inventions spanning various fields, including textiles, healthcare, agriculture, water security, and environmental conservation. Among the highlights of this participation is the groundbreaking research and development initiatives of Filipino scientists and inventors.
In a bid to reclaim its place in the global tech scene, the DOST unveils its plans to continue their legacy from five years ago where two out of three of the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Program- funded technologies secured gold awards. This time, the DOST is bringing nine homegrown inventions and innovations from DOST Research and Development Institutes, including winners from the 2022 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), as Philippine representatives vying for much-coveted gold awards.
After careful benchmarking and market compatibility selection, the DOST is set to go head-to-head against other industry giants at the IEIG 2024, showcasing the exceptional technical superiority of the Philippine invention forerunners. What technologies will represent the Philippines? Let’s take a rundown:
1. Flavored Salts and Food Seasoning
The flavored salts of DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) are developed to add economic value to locally-produced salts. It is infused with umami tastant (savory flavor) from seagrapes/’lato’, tiger prawn shrimp heads, and shiitake mushrooms. With a rising market valuation, the flavored salt market is estimated to secure a 2023 valuation of US$ 3.2 billion (estimated rise to US$ 5.8billion in 10 years).
Taking advantage of the rising market, this product finds its value by using readily-available organic and repurposed ingredients. Additionally, the flavored salts have less sodium without any added preservatives.
2. Mobile Water Disinfection System (SafeWaTrS)
Unlike other disinfection systems available in the market, “SafeWaTrS" of DOST-ITDI is locally-fabricated, mobile and compact, and energy self-sufficient to better help communities of rural and calamity-stricken areas. With an expanding market, the mobile water treatment system market is estimated to reach a valuation exceeding US$ 66.98 billion by 2030.
3. High-blend Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns
With European regulations favoring sustainability, Lyocell of the DOST - Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) sees potential rise in demand, prompting many apparel companies to integrate it into their lines. Its value lies within its environment-friendly materials that are High-value, and plant-derived Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns for fashion, home textiles, and industrial textile applications for a reduced carbon footprint.
4. Eco-friendly Bamboo Textiles
Bamboo textiles, driven by their softness, breathability, and minimal environmental impact, led to the popularity of bamboo-based fabrics like bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell which are both eco-friendly, and sustainable. This DOST-PTRI product gains advantage by providing a more sustainable process in home and industrial textile applications.
5. Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid (CMHA) Hydrogels
Carboxymethyl hyaluronic acid (CMHA) hydrogels of DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) are crosslinked networks of hyaluronic acid molecules modified with carboxymethyl groups. These hydrogels have been developed for various biomedical applications, leveraging their biocompatibility and ability to retain moisture to promote wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. The Hydrogel Market is projected to grow from an estimated US$ 23.16 billion in 2024 to US$ 32.62 billion in 5 years.
6. Super Water Absorbent Technology (SWA)
The DOST - PNRI’s SWA was designed for agricultural application as a soil water retainer to help reduce irrigation water consumption, lower mortality rates of plants, improve fertilizer retention in soil and increase plant growth rate and drought tolerance. The global market for super water absorbent gels is predicted to escalate from US$ 11.03 billion in 2023 to a projected US$ 20.94 billion by 2030.
7. New Hemostat Technology
Another DOST-PNRI’s innovation, the new hemostat technology uses biocompatible natural water-soluble polymers that aim to control excessive bleeding by exhibiting fast clotting abilities upon immediate application, this does not damage the wound site nor inflict a burning sensation to promote comfort while increasing patient survivability. The global hemostats market is projected to be worth US$ 3.7B by 2028.
8. Multi-fuel Dryer
This device functions by combining both drying and baking capabilities, while using diverse fuel or heat sources to process a wide array of products, including but not limited to fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, tobacco, root crops, apparel, roasted meats (pig or chicken), and traditional delicacies. This winning innovation from the 2022 NICE, which was developed by a local inventor/researcher from the Mariano Marcos State University, targets MSMEs and is focused on versatile product processing techniques.
9. Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealant and Flame Retardant
Another winning NICE innovation developed by a graduate student from the Mapua University, the Pili Seal pioneers the use of discarded material for the formulation of sustainable sealant and adhesive while ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety and non-toxic effects on the user's health and environment. The adhesive boasts an estimated market valuation of USD 1.40 billion in 2021 to USD 1.9 billion by 2026.
As the IEIG 2024 approaches, DOST-TAPI is primed to make history once again. Equipped with cutting-edge innovations from across the Philippines, the agency strives for gold as they get ready to showcase our country’s technological prowess and prove our industry’s noteworthiness on the international stage once more.
The delegates from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the 49th International Exhibit of Inventions Geneva this April 17-21, 2024 (From left to right: 1. Ms. Maricar Carandang, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning, 2. Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Mobile Water Disinfection System, 3. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Ph.D., Director IV of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute presenting the Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile from Bambusa philippinensis, 4. Ms. Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, Supervising Science Research Specialist from DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, presenting Lyocell/Natural Textile Fiber-Blended Yarns, 5. Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez, Associate Professor IV from the Mariano Marcos State University presenting the Multi-Fuel Dryer, 6. Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, Inventor, Founder, and Presenter of Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealants and Flame Retardants, 7. Ms. Charito T. Aranilla, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting New Hemostat Technology and Super Water Absorbent Technology, and 8. Ms. Lorna S. Relleve, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Hydrogels and Super Water Absorbent Technology).
DOST-TAPI
S&T Media Service
Elijah Espiritu