SLSU and Central Mindanao University Hold Virtual Benchmarking Exchange on Research Commercialization Practices

February 12, 2026 | via Zoom — Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (OVPRIES), conducted a Virtual Benchmarking Exchange on Research Commercialization Practices with Central Mindanao University (CMU) to learn and share proven approaches in intellectual property (IP) protection, technology commercialization, and technology business incubation. The session brought together key officials and personnel from SLSU’s research and innovation units and faculty members and CMU’s technology transfer and incubation leadership.

The program began with preliminaries, including the national anthem and prayer, followed by a welcome message delivered by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services. The session then moved into the introduction of the benchmarked university and speakers, setting the context for the afternoon’s sharing of best practices. The core segment featured CMU’s presentations led by Dr. Gamaliela A. Dumancas, Chief of the Technology Transfer Unit (TTU), and Prof. Shiela C. Poonon, Chief of CMU’s Technology Business Incubation Unit, detailing the university’s operational workflow for IP management, commercialization, and incubation support. An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise practical questions and clarify implementation details relevant to SLSU’s systems and policies. The exchange concluded with impressions shared by Mr. Ramel Claros, Head of Knowledge Management and Technology Incubation, a message of gratitude from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, and closing remarks delivered by Engr. Khorina A. Tablada, Director for Research and Innovation.

Key insights shared during the benchmarking highlighted CMU’s structured TTU workflow—from annual in-house review and evaluation of potential innovations for IP filing, to capability-building activities such as intensive patent drafting training. CMU also discussed measurable indicators for IP performance and emphasized a clear commercialization protocol, beginning with the submission of a letter of intent by the technology adopter, followed by administrative review and licensing preparation, and processing through appropriate review mechanisms. For incubation practice, CMU presented a framework anchored on product commercialization and enterprise development, supported by a service portfolio that includes AVP/marketing production, IEC material development, and formal business planning. They also shared their incubation pipeline designed to move incubatees through pre-incubation, incubation, and advanced incubation, supported by both external and institutional funding streams—including grants and startup funds—paired with sustainability measures to guide post-subsidy operations.

The discussion further tackled essential policy and financial realities in commercialization, including royalty distribution aligned with national knowledge transfer frameworks, proper fund handling through dedicated trust mechanisms, and practical approaches for ensuring sustainability of the incubation center—such as defining how a portion of grant-supported revenues may be reinvested to maintain operations. Recruitment and stakeholder engagement strategies were likewise underscored, including the use of targeted outreach initiatives (such as “caravans”) to reach priority sectors, encouragement of student-driven innovation through pitching and pilot testing pathways, and the importance of realistic incubation commitments—matching incubatees with appropriate grants rather than overpromising direct seed support. CMU also shared operational challenges, such as sustaining engagement of enrolled incubatees and responding to faculty concerns related to IP and commercialization, alongside advice for institutions building foundational TBIs: start strengthening internal systems early and allow business readiness to mature alongside research.

Overall, the benchmarking exchange reinforced the value of university-to-university learning in strengthening innovation ecosystems. The activity supports SLSU’s continuing efforts toward innovation-led development—particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through strengthened commercialization systems, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through enterprise and startup support, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through active collaboration with peer institutions like CMU.