Thirteen (13) teams of researchers from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Western Visayas and Negros Island Region joined the three-day writeshop to prepare researchers for product commercialization spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

The activity, known as the KNowmad Mobile Learning Lab – Western Visayas Leg, was held from January 19–21, 2026 at Seda Hotel, Iloilo City. KNowmad Mobile Learning Lab is a mobile innovation workshop designed to help inventors and innovators strengthen their ideas and proposals. It offers hands-on guidance, such as intellectual property review and innovation design support from experts.

The primary goal of the writeshop was to prepare the researchers for the 2026 TECHNiCOM (Technology Innovation for Commercialization) Funding Cycle. TECHNiCOM is a specialized program designed to provide financial and technical support to “bridge the gap” between R&D and the actual commercialization of a product.

The successful completion of the writeshop reflects the growing readiness of SUCs and HEIs to advance their innovations toward commercialization and industry adoption. Through the collaborative efforts of DOST Western Visayas, DOST–TAPI, and UMWAD Western Visayas, the TECHNiCOM Program continues to support the translation of research outputs into technologies that drive regional growth and innovation. (EFBotin, JNBolencis/TTCS; Photos by: UMWAD Western Visayas)

_{The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the country’s premiere agency for science, technology, and innovation, providing direction and leadership in the Philippines. Through strategic policies and programs, DOST ensures that S&T drives national development—delivering solutions and opportunities that maximize economic and social benefits for every Filipino.}