Innovators from regional and provincial offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased their creative “smart” solution prototypes during the Wadhwani technology pitching competition held on 21 October 2025, aiming to address common gaps identified in local communities.

The competition, organized by DOST-Caraga, marks the second installment of the first cohort under the DOST-Wadhwani Technopreneurship Program — a partnership between DOST and the Wadhwani Operating Foundation launched in November 2024.

Nearly 400 DOST employees have undergone a rigorous three-month training program on entrepreneurship, upskilling participants to transform research ideas into viable business solutions.

“By translating ideas into 17 functional prototypes, we see how local challenges identified in our regional smart cities and community’s road mapping efforts can be transformed into scalable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

“These innovations reflect a simple truth: when our LGUs, industries, academe, and communities collaborate, we create not just projects but pathways that we can tread together in our journey toward national development,” he added.

Solidum also underscored the importance of collaboration: “Kapag ang inobasyon ay pinagtulungang payabungin ng bawat isa, ang mga solusyon na drawing lamang sa umpisa ay unti-unting makukulayan at maisasakatuparan.”

To ensure the innovations’ relevance, DOST innovators partnered with local government units (LGUs) to identify community gaps in focus areas such as urban resilience, digital governance, solid waste management, circular economy integration, sustainable transport, climate-smart agriculture, and public service innovation.

Wadhwani mentor for Mindanao Mary Rose Ofianga noted that the prototypes are aligned with the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and Elev8 PH initiatives.

“Solutions should also integrate technologies such as AI, data analytics, blockchain, Industry 4.0, smart agriculture, and health technology, demonstrating commercialization potential and scalability,” Ofianga said.

Among 15 finalists, the TARAsense smart food innovation platform from DOST-Caraga emerged as the top winner.

Dr. Mariero H. Gawat, S&T Fellow and one of TARAsense’s developers, said the platform empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create food products using data-driven consumer insights. It combines market research, packaging feedback, and sensory evaluation powered by AI analytics and gamified public participation.

Entries were judged based on commercial viability (30%), inventiveness and uniqueness (25%), market problem fit (15%), execution and feasibility (15%), pitch quality and delivery (10%), and economic impact and wealth creation (5%).

The DOST-Wadhwani Technopreneurship Program is part of the agency’s broader effort to cultivate innovation-driven entrepreneurship within its regional and provincial S&T offices. The initiative supports DOST’s four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability — all aligned under the OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All banner.