FAB LAB Mindanao launched as an Innovation Hub of the Global Innovation through Science and Technology
by Lemuel Clark Velasco
One of the initiatives of the Institute to accelerate the commercialization of its homegrown innovations is to partner with international collaborators who are experts in science and technology knowledge transfer. Last January 30, 2019, FAB LAB Mindanao was launched as a Innovation Hub of the GIST Global Innovation through Science and Technology, a program of the United States Department of State which is being implemented by VentureWell. The GIST initiative empowers young science and technology innovators in 137 emerging economies including the Philippines to develop start solutions that address economic and development challenges. During the launching, MSU-IIT Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Jinky B. Bornales expressed her excitement in implementing a year-long technopreneurship program anchored on digital fabrication with the purpose to bolster networking and entrepreneurial skills, build durable networks and stimulate entrepreneurial activities not just within MSU-IIT but for the entire Mindanao. As member of the GIST Network, MSU-IIT through FAB LAB Mindanao gains access to a global collaboration of innovation centers that are designed to build strong and vibrant networks of young science and technology entrepreneurs around the world. In a message from Mr. John Law, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, he emphasized that this partnership will create more opportunities for learning and serve as a key resource for entrepreneurs across industries and open doors for exchange of information and best practices through global connections.