The University of Mindanao (UM) has reached another significant milestone in its pursuit of research excellence and innovation after successfully completing the IMPACT NXT Commercialization Capability Assessment held from July 1 to 3, 2026. Conducted through the University's Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Management Office (UM-TTIPMO), the three-day assessment underscored UM's commitment to strengthening its technology transfer ecosystem and enhancing its capacity to transform research outputs into commercially viable innovations that create meaningful societal impact.
Implemented under the IMPACT NXT Project of De La Salle University (DLSU), the assessment comprehensively evaluated the University's commercialization capability, technology transfer systems, intellectual property management practices, innovation support mechanisms, and institutional readiness to bring research-based technologies closer to industry and the market. Beyond measuring institutional performance, the evaluation identified key strengths, areas for continuous improvement, and strategic directions that will further reinforce the University's innovation and commercialization initiatives.
Leading the assessment was Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, with Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero and Engr. Rojay A. Flores serving as co-assessors, supported by Project Staff Ms. Lourdes Anne Fullante. The activity was likewise observed by representatives from the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Innovation, Technology Transfer and Development Division (DOST-RITTD) and DOST Regional Office XI, highlighting the strong collaboration among higher education institutions and government agencies in advancing technology transfer and innovation across the region.
The assessment engaged key officials and personnel from the University of Mindanao, including Dr. Maria Linda B. Arquiza, Vice President for the Research and Innovation Center; Dr. Joel B. Tan, Assistant Vice President for Business and Social Studies; Ms. Dyle S. Legaspi, ITSO Manager; Engr. Jetron J. Adtoon, TBI Manager; Engr. Kit Benjo Dumancas, ITSO Staff; Engr. Jethro Joshua A. Ordas, TBI Staff; and Mr. Justin Enfistan, Administrative Assistant of the Innovation Complex. The University also acknowledged the invaluable support of the University of Mindanao Quality Management Council, whose active participation contributed to the successful conduct of the assessment. Representatives from non-technology transfer stakeholders, Engr. Roumel Alvarez and Engr. James Mark Gallawan, likewise participated, providing broader institutional perspectives that enriched the evaluation process.
Throughout the three-day engagement, assessors and University representatives exchanged insights on best practices, institutional processes, and strategic approaches to strengthening research commercialization. The collaborative discussions emphasized the importance of building a robust innovation ecosystem that not only protects intellectual property but also accelerates the translation of research outputs into technologies, products, and services that address industry needs and societal challenges.
The University likewise expressed its sincere appreciation to the IMPACT NXT Assessment Team from De La Salle University for their professionalism, technical expertise, and constructive recommendations. Their guidance is expected to play a vital role in enhancing UM's technology transfer and commercialization programs, further positioning the University as a leading institution in research utilization, innovation management, and industry engagement.
The successful completion of the IMPACT NXT Commercialization Capability Assessment advances the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by strengthening institutional capacity for innovation and technology commercialization, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering meaningful collaboration among universities, government agencies, and innovation stakeholders.
As the University of Mindanao continues to champion research excellence and innovation, the successful assessment marks another important step toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven university—one that transforms research into technologies, ideas into enterprises, and knowledge into lasting impact for communities, industries, and the nation.
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