GOVPH

De La Salle University (DLSU) marks another milestone as it officially launched its Innovation Hub— the first Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park Ecozone at the DLSU Laguna Campus.

This initiative in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), is the first of its kind to be led by a private Higher Education Institution (HEI).

The designation was formalized under Presidential Proclamation No. 985, Series of 2025, issued on July 30, 2025, by the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This declaration is a major step towards the Philippines' pursuit of developing a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

With DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. at the helm, the deployment of the KIST program, which was set up by DOST-PEZA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2023-001, is continuously gaining momentum.

KIST fosters collaboration between the academe, industry, government, and the society, a vision exemplified with the inclusion of DLSU's Innovation Hub.

“These Ecozones are not just physical spaces, but centers of convergence, where science and technology meet entrepreneurship, and where bold ideas are transformed into opportunities that create jobs, foster businesses, and stimulate inclusive economic growth,” explained Solidum. He further stressed that institutions such as DLSU play a crucial role in converting scientific research into inclusive, real-world economic development.

In an interview, Solidum explained the importance of DLSU Innovation Hub, where it creates a rich setting for research commercialization as well as business-industry partnership.

"De La Salle, they have a lot of research and development results that can be commercialized, and they have companies that they can grow," he added. He also emphasized the immediate economic and job-generating impacts of such projects, citing the concrete outcomes anticipated from the establishment of KIST Ecozones.

Solidum highlighted the importance of increasing the presence of researchers in the private sector. He noted that with the establishment of KIST Ecozones within universities, locators now have access to facilities and experts for their research and development (R&D) initiatives. This support may encourage them to create their own R&D teams, leading to the hiring of more researchers in the private sector. This government strategy aims to strengthen science-industry connections and enhance innovation ecosystems across the country.

Brother Bernard S. Oca FSC, DLSU President, on the other hand, emphasized the broader vision behind the Innovation Hub, saying that they envisioned it as a beacon of progress, collaboration, and transformative impact.

“DLSU Innovation Hub should be a catalyst of innovation-led economic activity, empowering our scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, faculty, and students to co-create solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time,” he added.

Strategically located within the DLSU Science and Technology Complex in Biñan City, Laguna, the Innovation Hub is designed to serve as a dynamic ecosystem for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and social impact. Anchored in the quadruple helix model, the Hub specializes in Advanced Biotech Systems and Engineering, including biomedical technologies, genomics, bioinstrumentation, and translational health sciences. It also houses cutting-edge R&D laboratories, startup incubators, innovation spaces, and platforms for knowledge transfer, commercialization, and sustainable development.

The successful proclamation of the DLSU Innovation Hub as a KIST Ecozone marks the first full application processed under both the DOST-PEZA JMC No. 2023-001 and DOST Memorandum Circular No. 001, s. 2024.

DOST also played a key role in examining DLSU's application, establishing the alignment of its project proposal with the national innovation thrusts, proposed facilities, and overall strategic focus. Based on a positive evaluation, DOST formally recommended DLSU to PEZA, which was a critical requirement for the proclamation.

This was achieved through tight inter-agency coordination, especially between PEZA and DOST, with assistance from the Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and other DOST councils and agencies such as the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, and the Technology Application and Promotion Institute. Technical inputs were also contributed by Mr. Noel C. Neric of Science Park of the Philippines, Inc., while the assessment and coordination works were made by the DOST-CALABARZON Regional Office, the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization.

The DLSU Innovation Hub now joins Batangas State University (BatStateU) KIST Park, proclaimed under Presidential Proclamation No. 947 in May 2020, as the second KIST Ecozone in CALABARZON and in the country. Together, these pioneering institutions reflect the region’s and the nation’s commitment to transforming HEIs into drivers of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the four pillars of the DOST: human well-being, wealth creation, resilience against disaster, and sustainability, the DLSU KIST Ecozone will be a center for the commercialization of R&D outputs, incubation of startups, and industry-academe collaboration. It will also complement the DOST’s PROPEL Program to hasten innovation among Filipino innovators and entrepreneurs.

With over 30 KIST applications currently in the pipeline, and another private HEI already undergoing evaluation, Solidum called on more institutions to seize this opportunity.

The launch event follows a tour of the university’s science-based facilities, where several innovations were showcased, including immersive technologies, bike-powered systems, a drone borrowing station, a makerspace, hydroponics and workshop areas, and the animal biocontainment and cell culture research pod.

“As we stand in this exciting new frontier, let us remember, every innovation begins with imagination, every transformation begins with education, and every milestone begins with partnership. May this innovation help continue to shine as a beacon of creativity, collaboration and continuous learning,” concluded Rowena Naguit of PEZA.

 This partnership across agencies is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)