The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) once again made its mark in the national innovation landscape as the UPV SpiN YY Tilapia Technology secured 2nd Best Pitch at the 3rd Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) 2026, held on August 11, 2026, at the DOST-PCAARRD campus in Los Baños, Laguna.
Presented by its lead technology generator, Dr. Sanny David Lumayno, the UPV SpiN Tilapia Technology pitch underscored the need to advance tilapia aquaculture in response to the country’s growing food security needs and the increasing economic value of aquaculture to Philippine markets. The technology highlights UPV’s continuing efforts to develop science-based innovations that address pressing challenges in the agri-aqua sector while creating opportunities for commercialization and industry adoption.
Lumayno’s achievement adds to UP Visayas’ growing record of advancing innovation and technology transfer, reinforcing the University’s commitment to transforming research and development outputs into technologies with potential economic and societal impact.
Another university-developed innovation, the Microalgal Paste, was also featured under the Startup Company Category, with Ms. Soledad Garibay pitching for Algacon Aquafeeds Manufacturing, the first Spinoff company of the university.
The University also participated in the exhibition component of the event through the RAISE Western Visayas Booth, where promising agri-aqua and natural resources technologies were showcased. Among the featured innovations was AANR TRACER (Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Technology Readiness for Commercialization Enhancement and Roadmapping), a digital tool developed to assess technology readiness and support the pathway toward commercialization and industry adoption.
Representing UP Visayas and the RAISE Western Visayas Program were Prof. Reynold Tan, Acting Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Project Leader of the RAISE Western Visayas Agribusiness Hub Project; Ms. Ferelyn F. Oliva, RAISE Western Visayas Assistant Program Leader and Project Leader of the RAISE Western Visayas IPTBM Project; and Asst. Prof. Rhea J. Subong-Espina, Project Leader of the RAISE Western Visayas Knowledge Management System Project.
UPV’s participation in AIPF 2026 reflects its continuing commitment to moving research outputs beyond the laboratory and into the hands of communities, industries, and markets. By bringing together researchers, technology developers, startups, industry partners, and potential investors, the University continues to strengthen the pathway from research to innovation, commercialization, and real-world impact.
With another strong showing on the national stage, UP Visayas continues to demonstrate that innovation from Western Visayas can compete, connect, and create impact.
Article by Ms. Ferelyn F. Oliva, RAISE Program Western Visayas Assistant Program Leader
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