By Carmela Isabelle P. Disilio
The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) celebrates alongside the entire Philippine delegation for their outstanding performance, securing both silver and bronze awards at the esteemed 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) held from April 17-21, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
All nine Filipino inventions received silver and bronze distinctions at the IEIG. Hailing from a pool of more than 40 organizations and universities, these innovations distinguished themselves for their creative approaches to tackling urgent global issues and driving forward sustainability objectives.
Silver awards were granted to DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) technologies namely Hemostat for Emergency Treatment, a revolutionary lifesaving innovation that enhances blood-clotting, and the Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid (CMHA) Hydrogels which are versatile hydrogels with wide-ranging applications in various industries including healthcare and agriculture.
The Mobile Water Disinfection System (SafeWaTrS) of DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) also received a silver award as a transformative solution ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly in remote or disaster-affected areas.
The innovative Multi-fuel Dryer invented by Prof. Zaldy Fernandez of Mariano Marcos State University also clinched a silver award as it featured dual functionality, acting both as a dryer and an oven, revolutionizing food and textile processing.
Meanwhile, five inventions were also recognized with bronze awards including the Eco-Bamboo Textile, and Lyocell and Natural Fiber Blended Yarns from the DOST - Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI); Flavored Salt and Seasoning of DOST-ITDI; the Super Water Absorbent Technology of DOST-PNRI; and the Pili Seal of Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon.
The Super Water Absorbent Technology, Pili Seal, and Lyocell yarns also received special awards granted by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of King Khalid University, an organization that empowers individuals to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.
The homegrown inventions presented in the exhibition are previous winners of the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) 2022, and DOST-supported technologies across various industries including textiles, healthcare, agriculture, water security, and environmental conservation.
The Philippines' triumph at the 49th IEIG underscores its growing prominence in the global innovation arena after competing along with 1,035 inventions in this year's exhibition.
As the nation continues to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Filipino inventors stand poised to make significant contributions to addressing global challenges and shaping a brighter future for humanity.
