The University Board of Regents approved the University Novelty and Innovative Items for Commercialization (UNIIC) program last November 2023.
VP Marites M. Rio highlighted that the approval of the UNIIC proposal speaks of the continuing quest of the University to advance its Production Services support in advancing agricultural, aquatic, natural resources as well as technology-based products of researches with potential IPs toward the development of marketable university-developed signature products worthy of commercialization.
With Implementation Number 57, s.2023, UNIIC proposals by campus will be programmed considering existing operational production projects that already underwent research. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the campus proponents and the University before the release of the Notice to Proceed. The advocacy project was conceived, conceptualized, and proposed by Dr. Leo C. Rio, Director, Production Services unit to set challenge in the operation of a more sustainable and self-governing campus in terms of fiscal autonomy.
UNIIC hoped to develop more productive, creative, and innovative human resources who have the willingness to practice a tradition of excellence in product development as a result of research and allied activities.
The implementation is set by the first quarter of 2024 upon consultation and coordination meetings with the Campus Directors and Production Heads. As per BOR recommendation, the total grant in the amount of P700,000.00 will be issued by the phase of the project as presented by the proponent. The first two campuses with viable project proposals and preferably with research or market feasibility study will be the priority for the grant of fund.
CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi commended the UNIIC project proposal as something iconic or remarkable for URS to support as it is a timely endeavor every SUC has to try, thrive, and succeed.
