TESTIMONIAL: Strengthening Innovation Through University-Enterprise Collaboration — Reflections on TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023

In May 2023, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), in partnership with Leave a Nest Philippines, hosted the TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023 TECH PLAN DEMO DAY, bringing deep tech startups from across the country into the spotlight. Powered by the shared vision of strengthening science-based innovation, the event marked a new chapter in university-enterprise collaboration, one grounded in real-world solutions and long-term impact.

The Demo Day showcased 9 finalist startups and 6 lightning talk teams, featuring homegrown innovations in environmental monitoring, renewable energy, and biotech—among them were EnviSense’s groundwater monitoring system, Stage Biotech’s modular bioreactor, and Tidal Philippines’ marine turbines. While the event highlighted the promise of Filipino-led deep tech, its greater value lies in what it catalyzed beyond that day.

Since then, the impact of SECRA (Strengthening University-Enterprise Collaboration for Resilient Communities in Asia)—an Erasmus+ Programme co-funded by the European Union—has continued to grow. TECH PLANTER 2023 became a springboard for broader collaboration, enabling a stronger foundation for innovation ecosystems across the country.

(Photo: Dr Kendra Gotangco Gonzales, Director of Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, shares insights on SECRA's transformative initiatives in strengthening University-Enterprise collaboration for resilient communities in Asia during the TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023.)

Expanding Deep Tech Networks Through SECRA

For Leave a Nest Philippines, SECRA’s support has been instrumental in growing its network of early-stage, purpose-driven researchers and startups, especially those emerging from Philippine universities. The initiative helped solidify a pipeline of deep tech innovators who are not only technically capable but socially attuned—aligned with Leave a Nest Group’s vision of “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness.”

TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023 was co-organized as part of the SECRA Project, and was part of a series of events and projects by offices within the Ateneo de Manila University, who in turn worked with counterparts from the University of Central Lancashire, co-leads for a work package of the funded project.

The event served as a gateway to new engagements, with more HEIs and researchers reaching out to participate in future cohorts. Startups incubated through this ecosystem have since explored joint research, investment, and pilot deployment opportunities, both locally and with Japanese partners.

Strengthening ADMU’s Innovation Ecosystem

For Ateneo de Manila University, SECRA’s ongoing contributions have enabled a more integrated and agile innovation environment. It has accelerated capacity-building for faculty and staff, fostered stronger collaboration between units such as the Intellectual Property Office, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, and enterprise engagement offices, and has contributed to the design of inclusive innovation pathways that bridge science, business, and social development.

SECRA has also guided the development of long-term mechanisms for innovation, including responsive academic programming, mentorship models, and cross-sectoral partnerships—all vital in ensuring that research outputs translate into products and services that matter to communities.

Fostered by its collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire, the development of University-Enterprise Engagement Days, as well as start-up labs, have also contributed to a promising ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. The design of these events have integrated and emphasized principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as indispensable elements of innovation for resilience and sustainability.

Sustaining Momentum and Creating Systems of Support

What TECH PLANTER 2023 ultimately demonstrated is that deep tech acceleration is not a one-off event but a system of support—a network of people, institutions, and opportunities that enable ideas to take root and grow. The partnership with SECRA ensures that this system continues to evolve, reaching more universities, enterprises, and communities across the region.

As the program moves forward, ADMU and Leave a Nest Philippines remain committed to deepening their collaboration, growing the local innovation landscape, and nurturing startups that can deliver not just economic value, but resilience and societal impact.

“SECRA gave us the framework to institutionalize what we’ve long envisioned research that serves people and partnerships that endure,” shared Dr. Kendra Gotangco Gonzales, Director of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability.

“The Demo Day was a breakthrough—but it’s the lasting connections, mentorship, and follow-on initiatives that truly define success. We’re seeing that now,” added Leave a Nest Philippines.

As SECRA continues to capture evidence of impact across its partner countries, the TECH PLANTER experience in the Philippines offers a compelling example: university-enterprise collaboration, when sustained and well-supported, becomes a powerful engine for innovation and resilience in Asia.