IMPACT-NXT Conducts Two-Day Technology Transfer Assessors' Training to Strengthen Standardized TTO Assessments

Quezon City, Philippines | June 23–24, 2026 — The IMPACT-NXT Project successfully conducted the Technology Transfer Assessors' Training on June 23–24, 2026 at Ateneo de Manila University, bringing together experienced Technology Transfer professionals from universities, research institutions, and partner agencies across the country. The two-day training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations needed to conduct standardized, unbiased, and evidence-based assessments of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) throughout the Philippines.

The training forms part of the Competency Development and Training Needs Analysis (TNA) for Technology Transfer Officers of the IMPACT (Intellectual Property Management Program for Academic Institutions Commercializing Technologies) Network, an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and being implemented by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) of Ateneo de Manila University in collaboration with Caraga State University. The project seeks to establish a Philippine-specific Tech-Transfer Competency Framework and Training Needs Assessment that will strengthen institutional technology transfer capabilities and strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem.

The program officially opened with welcome remarks from Dr Proceso L. Fernandez, Jr, Director of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, followed by a project overview from Engr. Benjamin N Mirasol, MBA, Project Leader of IMPACT-NXT, who highlighted the project's objectives and the introduction of the Knowledge Transformation, Translation, and Transfer Competency Framework that is benchmarked with the global standard, aligned with the Philippines’ National Innovation agenda & legal environment, while being grounded with Philippine Tech Transfer realities. 

Throughout the first day, participants were introduced to the Philippine Core Competency Framework and the principles behind competency-based assessment. Dr Helen U Amante facilitated discussions on bias awareness and mitigation, while Mr Jyro B Triviño guided participants through sessions on assessment standards and rubric application to promote consistency and evidence-based evaluation. The afternoon focused on the IMPACT-NXT digital Assessment Tool Website, where Ms Crystelle Jel B Soriano from the technical team, familiarized participants with the platform's features and protocols in preparation for actual deployment.

In photo: Technology Transfer Officers from across the Philippines attend the IMPACT-NXT Assessors' Training at Ateneo de Manila University

Building on these foundations, Ms Crystelle Jel B Soriano, prefaces the day by tying the concepts discussed in the first day to the design of the training needs assessment instruments and its importance in measuring the officers’ knowledge, skills, and attitude for each competency. All of which are integrated into a platform that will be deployed for Technology Transfer Offices nationwide. The second day continues to emphasize the practical application of the assessment process through role-based workshops and simulation exercises facilitated by Dr Emerald Jay D Ilac, with support from the technical team. Participants practiced conducting assessments, documenting evidence, and reaching scoring consensus using realistic scenarios and the online assessment platform. Dr Proceso L Fernandez, Jr also led discussions on conflict-of-interest and ethical considerations, reinforcing the importance of impartiality, professionalism, and accountability in every stage of the assessment. The training concluded with a World Café-style Focus Group Discussion, led by Dr Amante, and facilitated by Dr Ilac, Mr Triviño, Mr Erfe, Ms Soriano, and Ms Figueroa, where tech-transfer professionals, along with DOST, were invited to share insights and recommendations to further strengthen the competency framework and assessment methodology.

In photo: Dr Helen U Amante, Mr Jyro B Triviño, Dr Emerald Jay D Ilac, and Ms Crystelle Jel B Soriano lead discussions and interactive learning sessions during the IMPACT-NXT Technology Transfer Assessors' Training.

The final session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the two-day training through an activity where participants identified practices that should be adopted, improved, or sustained as they prepare for the nationwide rollout of Technology Transfer Office assessments, while also sharing suggestions and next steps to further enhance the implementation of the IMPACT-NXT assessment process.

In his closing message, Engr Benjamin N Mirasol thanked the participants, resource persons, and organizing team for their commitment to advancing technology transfer in the country. He emphasized that the success of the project depends on competent and ethical assessors who uphold consistency, transparency, and professionalism in every assessment they conduct.

In photo: Group photo featuring the assessors and trainers 

As IMPACT-NXT prepares to assess 34 universities and research and development institutions across the Philippines, the training marks an important milestone in developing a national pool of qualified assessors. Through standardized assessment practices, continuous learning, and collaboration, the project aims to strengthen Technology Transfer Offices and contribute to a more innovative and resilient technology transfer ecosystem nationwide.

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IMPACT NXT is powered by DOST-PCIEERD as part of their Grants-in-Aid program, with the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) in partnership with Caraga State University as the implementing bodies, to strengthen Technology Transfer Office competencies across Philippine Higher Education Institutions and R&D Institutes.

To know more about the IMPACT-NXT project and Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, visit: www.aipo.ateneo.edu or follow them on social media for the latest updates and announcements via www.fb.com/AteneoIPO or www.linkedin.com/company/AteneoIPO.