UP's 113 Innovations Tackle Health, Food, and Climate

The University of the Philippines is turning scientific research into real-world solutions that help everyday Filipinos. In 2025, the university reported 113 technology ventures and initiatives through its Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, with innovations spanning from herbal medicines to AI-powered apps.

Health led the way with 34 ventures, including familiar herbal medicines like Lagundi and Sambong that are now available in pharmacies nationwide. The university also developed biomedical tools like the Dengue Detection Kit and Hele, a suite of technologies that make hearing screenings more accessible.

Agriculture and food security claimed 25 ventures, addressing one of the Philippines' most pressing needs. Innovations include nine different biofertilizers with names like BioGroe and TrichoGrow+ that help farmers grow more food without harmful chemicals. The Sinta Papaya variety resists disease better than traditional plants, while nutritional feeds improve aquaculture operations.

Climate and environment ventures rounded out the top three focus areas with 10 initiatives. These range from renewable energy solutions powering remote learning communities to electric vehicles designed for both land and water transport, complete with fast-charging stations from CHRG.

The innovation portfolio also includes 24 spinoff companies and partnerships with 152 organizations. Together, these ventures have generated 1,428 intellectual property registrations, including patents and copyrights.

One standout is AGAP.AI, the country's first AI-powered app for monitoring early childhood development. Parents and healthcare workers can now track developmental milestones more easily, catching potential issues early when intervention helps most.

The Ripple Effect

These innovations touch multiple parts of Filipino life simultaneously. FILARB Waste Management Services uses oil-based thermal technology to safely dispose of infectious hospital waste, protecting healthcare workers and communities. The VISSER K-12 science kit makes STEM education more accessible in schools across the archipelago. Fish-I helps monitor coral reefs and fisheries, supporting both environmental conservation and fishing communities.

UP President Angelo Jimenez sees the innovation focus as proof of the university's commitment to public service. "These data show where the heart of UP is, with the Filipino people," he said at the Inoblasyon Innovation Summit 2026 kickoff event.

The diversity of solutions reflects the university's understanding that progress requires addressing multiple challenges at once. Sustainable packaging from plant-based sources reduces plastic waste while creating new business opportunities. Functional foods like KamoTea add nutrition where it's needed most.

The next generation of Filipino innovators is learning that science isn't just about discoveries, it's about making life better for their neighbors.