Ateneo Intellectual Property Office launches Ateneo Blue Nest in partnership with DOST

In a world growing increasingly complex by the minute, we need to turn to collective action to address society’s most pressing issues. Our responsibility as citizens of the world has grown exponentially, and we are no longer expected to work just on an individual level. With the help of a community, many of the economic, socio-cultural, and political challenges of today can be alleviated—even a little—to progress toward a more just, developed, and safe world. 

On 26 July 2023, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, launched the Ateneo Blue Nest–Technology Business Incubator, or Ateneo Blue Nest–TBI. It is a platform that will incubate and develop ideas for start-ups and MSMEs, allowing them to access the resources they need to thrive and grow. 

The project is under DOST’s Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) program—an initiative designed to help universities meet the requirements for funding from the DOST–Philippine Council For Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. Managers are trained to run their own DOST-affiliated TBIs in order to cater to the growing demand for early-stage entrepreneurial support in the regions.

Gracing the launch held at Areté Sandbox was University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, who welcomed visiting researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. “Within these walls we envision a dynamic ecosystem that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a drive for innovation that will bring solutions to today’s pressing issues,” he said.

“This is the promise of Ateneo Blue Nest–TBI. Today we celebrate the launch of this physical space and the birth of countless opportunities. In nurturing talent, igniting passion, and pushing boundaries, Ateneo Blue Nest–TBI hopes to be a bedrock of groundbreaking ideas and disruptive innovations that will improve the lives of individuals and communities in the Philippines and beyond.”

Dr Niñaliza H Escorial, Deputy Executive Director of the Council, shared a few words about the conception of the space. “The journey of the Ateneo Blue Nest started with the noble objective [of] translating Ateneo’s research output into tangible solutions that benefit society,” she said. “Today it is blossoming into something even more remarkable, a platform that fosters a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship within and beyond the university community.”

“Here, entrepreneurs will find the support they need, the network they crave for, and the resources needed to transform ideas to reality,” added Engr Benjamin Mirasol, project leader of the Ateneo Blue Nest Incubation Program.

“Our incubation space has been thoughtfully crafted to provide the perfect ecosystem for innovation,” he said, noting that as the space continues to grow, more state-of-art and cutting-edge technologies and features will be implemented. 

He continued: “We have carefully curated a diverse network of mentors, industry experts, and investors who are ready to guide and invest in future visionaries who will pass through these doors.”

Dr Kendra Gonzales, Director of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, gave a presentation about sustainability, in particular the SECRA project, or Strengthening University-Enterprise Collaboration for Resilience Communities in Asia. The project aims to contribute to more resilient communities in Asia through university-enterprise collaboration in climate action and disaster resilience. Dr Jon Fernandez, Director of the AIPO, gave the closing remarks, thanking everyone involved for their work and looking ahead in anticipation for the ideas, projects, and collaborations to come. 

The launch ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony and networking among the guests.