UMVA has learned that De La Salle University has taken a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaboration by hosting an Open House and Networking Event on its Laguna Campus.
The event saw the formal signing of agreements with two prominent organizations, marking a major milestone in the university's quest to bridge the gap between academia and industry. AstraZeneca and D.M. Consunji Technical Training Center, Inc. (DMCTTCI) will establish their respective hubs within the KIST Park, a cutting-edge ecozone that promises to drive interdisciplinary research and innovation.
AstraZeneca's new AZ-Health Innovation Hub will serve as a multi-faceted research hub, clinical trial center, education and training space, and will also house the company's Lung Cancer command center. This strategic move underscores the pharmaceutical giant's commitment to capacity-building, not only for faculty and students but also for researchers and doctors.
The partnership with DMCTTCI is equally significant, as it highlights the development of a hub that will serve as one of the country's leading centers for construction education. The facility will address the gaps between theories and application, serving as a commercial testing center, academic training and research hub.
DMCTTCI emphasizes the importance of co-creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship with the university, expressing its vision of building partnerships that endure and create impactful work. This collaborative spirit was palpable at the event, which drew officials from prominent government agencies and industry organizations.
In his welcome remarks, DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca FSC captured the essence of the KIST Park, describing it as a "living testament to our vision of true innovation that does not remain within the confines of research, but actively engages with industry, government, and society." The event was attended by officials from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The KIST Park Ecozone, which spans five hectares of the 51-hectare Laguna Campus, is a game-changer in the field of sustainable development. By integrating academia, industry, government, and community, it has the potential to drive the commercialization of green technologies, eco-friendly solutions, and sustainable practices.
