DOST unveils innovation hub in Albay

By Sally Atento - Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has inaugurated an innovation hub (iHub) at its provincial office in Albay.

The iHub is an open-access, collaborative workspace aimed at supporting students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in transforming their ideas into real-world opportunities.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the iHub’s role in offering new opportunities and crucial support for innovators and startups.

“When you have an idea, it feels like a wasted opportunity if you don’t act on it. So if you have an idea, you can approach the DOST iHub. We can discuss it, bring in business partners or universities, and explore how your ideas can move forward,” he said.

The iHub is one of six provincial innovation hubs launched in the Bicol region during the Regional Science and Technology Week, which took place from August 13 to 15 in Legazpi City.

DOST Regional Director Rommel Serrano said that each iHub is designed to assist stakeholders throughout the process, from idea generation to prototyping and commercialization.

Albay’s iHub addresses local challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, particularly the lack of essential soft skills, such as networking, pitching abilities, and idea validation, alongside limited access to necessary resources.

“The iHub will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills, effectively bridging the gap between idea generation and successful business development,” said Domingo Peña, DOST provincial director for Albay.

The iHub includes a research nook that is equipped with computers featuring DOST’s STARBOOKS, as well as a creative space designed for collaborative discussions and prototype development, complete with a 3D printing machine.

For 22-year-old researcher Noelle Jaucian, this new facility is incredibly beneficial for young innovators, providing them with a space to learn and share ideas.

“This facility is a great working ground or starting ground to provide opportunities specially for young researchers to voice out their ideas,” Jaucian said.

Fellow researcher Angie Dimabayao stated that the hub assists them in growing and thinking more deeply about research that can benefit communities.

“It enriches individuals like us to think more and delve deeper into the kinds of research we can do to help our communities,” Dimabayao said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)