BatStateU opens innovation ventures hub

BATANGAS State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ national engineering institute, inaugurated on June 19 its Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park’s Ventures Hub.

The Ventures Hub seeks to transform the local startup ecosystem by helping turn innovative ideas into thriving projects.

It offers modular locator spaces tailored to help startups grow and scale up. It empowers industry locators to collaborate, explore ideas, and seize opportunities in partnership with BatStateU.

From left: Dr. Napoleon Juanillo Jr., assistant secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications and Commercialization, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Marita Canapi, commissioner, Commission on Higher Education; Carmel Matabang, regional director, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, Region 4A; Emelita Bagsit, regional director, DOST-Calabarzon; and Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president, BatStateU and CEO, KIST Park. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Its focus will span semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, agritech, healthtech, among other sectors, reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing technologies to solve real-world problems.

“Through initiatives like the Ventures Hub, we are ensuring that our students, researchers, and entrepreneurs have the tools, resources and expertise to bring their ideas to life — creating solutions that resonate on a global scale. The Ventures Hub will empower the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and fuel economic growth by turning their visions into thriving businesses that will drive the Philippine economy forward,” said Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, university president and KIST Park CEO.

In 2016, the university’s board of regents approved the construction of KIST Park, and in 2020 the Philippine Economic Zone Authority declared it a special ecozone.

The KIST Park, which has direct access to BatStateU’s rich pool of talent, will provide startups with expertise, research programs and an ecosystem designed to foster innovation. This strategic partnership ensures that ventures can seamlessly transition from research and development to market-ready solutions, enhancing their global competitiveness.

The inauguration ceremony kicked off with a ribbon-cutting event, followed by speeches from key stakeholders in the education and tech sectors, including Dr. Marita Canapi, commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Napoleon Juanillo Jr., assistant secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC) of DOST; and Carmela Matabang, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Region 4A.

They emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and academe in advancing the country’s technology and innovation landscape.

Startups and industry locators at Ventures Hub will recognize the value of being part of an ecosystem where they are not building in isolation but co-creating alongside researchers, students and fellow innovators.

At the inauguration, existing industry locators such as Plant Science Philippines Corp., ParallaxED, TRIOE, Lycan Motorcycles, among others, participated in a unit exhibition showcasing their innovations, capabilities and active roles in shaping the vibrant, collaborative ecosystem within KIST Park.

BatStateU KIST Park offers substantial government-backed incentives, including income tax holidays, VAT zero-rating, and streamlined business registration processes. These advantages reduce barriers to innovation, creating an ideal environment for startups to scale and succeed.

BatStateU KIST Park is in Alangilan, Batangas City. It provides purpose-built infrastructure and dynamic spaces like the Ventures Hub to help “Transform Knowledge into Technology.”