SUCs research expo to bridge academe-industry gap

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) this week organized its first research expo to promote products developed by various state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country.

CHED chairman J. Prospero de Vera III led the three-day fair held on March 9-11 at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

“It is an opportunity to try and experience the products from all over the country, which are pooled in a convenient venue,” De Vera said.

CHED noted that the fair would also enable scientists and inventors to gather potential investors and stakeholders, assess the inventions for commercial viability and bridge the gap between the academe and industry.

“CHED believes that products of great minds must not be confined in the academic community alone, but also be utilized by all for the benefit of the society,” it said.

“Filipino researchers and scientists can take this opportunity to share their innovations and the challenges they encounter with commercial expectations and its never-ending law of supply, demand and sustainability,” it added.

The expo featured products developed by 50 SUCs from various parts of the country, including numerous food options, fabrics and other local products.

CHED said the expo is an initiative to recognize the passion of SUCs to innovate products and connect them to Filipinos outside of their academic communities.