Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) marked a defining milestone in its technology transfer and commercialization journey with the ceremonial signing of the Technology Licensing Agreements (TLAs) and the official recognition of Nnovate Food Products as the University’s first spin-off enterprise, January 28.
Facilitated through the Innovation and Technology Support Services Office (ITSSO) and the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), the agreements authorize the commercialization of three SLSU-developed food innovations: (1) Method of Producing Mushroom Chili Garlic Sauce, (2) Method of Producing Mushroom Oat Cookies, and (3) Composition of Paste Candy with Mushroom. These technologies are covered by Utility Model registrations and applications filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
The spin-off is led by Dr. Nona D. Nagares, former ITSSO Director and co-developer of the technologies, together with Asst. Prof. Alma J. Caringal. Their research outputs now move from academic innovation to enterprise-scale application. Supporting this transition, the SLSU Board of Regents approved Dr. Nagares’ participation in the spin-off establishment through BOR Resolution No. 16, series of 2025. The milestone event was witnessed by University officials and partners, including President Dr. Frederick T. Villa, Vice President for Research, Extension, Production, Development, and Innovation Dr. Marissa C. Esperal, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dhenalyn Aquino-Dejelo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Dr. Arvin N. Natividad, ITSSO Director Dr. Renato R. Maaliw III, TBI Center Chief Dr. Jennifer Edytha J. Lagrazon, and DOST CALABARZON Regional Director Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit.
In his opening remarks, ITSSO Director Maaliw III, emphasized that the TLAs represent an investment not only in systems and solutions, but in people, capabilities, and opportunities that will shape the University’s future.
President Villa expressed that the partnership should inspire more collaborations that turn ideas into solutions, research into products, and innovation into opportunity. He added that this agreement marks the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship that advances food innovation, supports local industries, and uplifts the communities SLSU serves.
Regional Director Bagsit commended SLSU’s leadership in technology commercialization, describing the initiative as a benchmark for university-developed technologies in the region. She noted that the positive assessment of the spin-off confirms that the transaction is fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial. She further expressed DOST CALABARZON’s commitment to support Nnovate Food Products in scaling its operations, encouraging the company to avail of DOST programs and grants to strengthen its production capacity, market reach, and overall business sustainability.
Dr. Nagares, for her part, reaffirmed her commitment to research for transformation, challenging participants to reflect on whether their work solves real problems, feeds communities, and meets industry needs. She emphasized that Nnovate Food Products is not merely a business, but a mission, and shared the company’s plans for the coming years.
Anchored on Republic Act No. 10055, or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009, the signing signifies the completion of SLSU’s technology transfer process, translating protected intellectual property into licensed commercial production. Three separate agreements were executed based on the written recommendations arising from the Fairness Opinion Report issued by the Department of Science and Technology Fairness Opinion Board (DOST FOB). Each agreement affirms University ownership of the technologies while granting Nnovate Food Products commercialization rights under clearly defined accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
The ceremony energized participants to envision their own innovation pathways. With Nnovate Food Products officially recognized as its first spin-off partner, SLSU strengthens academe–industry collaboration and establishes a replicable model for future research-based enterprises. More than a signing, the milestone affirms SLSU’s resolve to move knowledge beyond campus walls, turning research into impact, innovation into livelihood, and ideas into lasting change.
Layout by: Giehway R. Liwanag
Photos credits: SMRR