University Innovation Technology Support Office (UITSO)

The University Innovation Technology Support Office (UITSO) serves as the support unit of the University in the protection of R&D generated technologies with commercial viability. It evaluates the patentability of developed technologies; provides skills training on patent search and patent drafting; renders patent search and patent drafting services; and facilitates/assists in the application of inventions, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights to the Intellectual Property office of the Philippines.

In support to the advancement of the Republic Act 10055 or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 in the country, MMSU together with other universities namely, Cavite State University (Program Lead), Bicol University, Aklan State University, and University of Southeastern Philippines implement the DOST-PCAARRD-funded program titled, Support to the University Strategy in Technology Acceleration Initiatives by Nurturing (SUSTAIN) Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM) Offices among Consortia Agencies. MMSU leads the project, Sustaining and Enhancing IP-TBM Offices among member institutions of ILAARDEC particularly the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Northern Luzon Polytechnic State College (NLPSC), Pangasinan State University (PSU), and University of Northern Philippines (UNP) which geared toward supporting intellectual property protection and commercialization of technologies. This project is one of DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center’s (DPITC) ticket programs under SUSTAIN IP-TBM.

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is a premier higher education institution in the north that embodies the pursuit of excellence in the performance of its four-fold function of instruction, extension, research and production. It has proven itself to be an active partner in contributing improvement in the quality of life of community people through instruction, research and extension activities. At present, there are 62 knowledge products that are granted with IP protection in MMSU which include 1 patent, 3 trademarks, 36 utility models, 18 copyright materials, and 4 NSIC Registered varieties, ready for commercialization.

As base agency of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), the arm of PCAARRD in Ilocos Region, MMSU takes part in strengthening the technology protection, promotion and commercialization activities of the SUCs in the region through PCAARRD’s platform. The project aims for the establishment/strengthening of IP-TBM Offices of selected SUCs in Ilocos Region to strengthen their overall technology transfer program. For this project, the MMSU serves as the mentor-agency with mentee-agencies including the DMMMSU, ISPSC, NLPSC, PSU, and UNP.

Generally, the project aims to strengthen the capacities IP-TBM operations in selected SUCs to intensify technology commercialization activities. Specifically, the program aims to:

  • Enhance and operationalize the IP-TBM Offices of the participating agencies;
  • Enhance and harmonize the IP policies of participating SUCs to synchronize IP management and technology transfer activities;
  • Mentor and capacitate the technology transfer officers of the participating mentee-agency;
  • Intensify the technology promotion and commercialization activities of participating SUCs;
  • Identify and intensify linkages with various agencies to enhance activities on intellectual property protection and management and technology commercialization; and
  • Coordinate, monitor, and oversee the program implementation of the SUCs involved.
ATBI Activity 7

Another ticket program of the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC) is the Agricultural Technology Business Incubation (ATBI). The ATBI benefits the industry and society through the promotion, increased resources, and accessible S&T services. ATBI allows interested community and industry partners to start a business. It helps incubatees to become catalysts of change by giving assistance on technology and business growth.

This program is also housed in the MMSU UITSO to complement technology utilization through commercialization and adoption. The MMSU ATBI, dubbed as DAP-AYAN is one of the 16 ATBIs in the Philippines. Officially launched in April 27, 2021, the MMSU-ATBI is the youngest among the members of the ATBI network in the country.

The MMSU DAP-AYAN draws inspiration in the Ilokano word, dap-ayan, a place of convergence—to relax, to meet for a community concern, and a venue for other activities. The MSU ATBI Dap-Ayan is set to become a commonplace of convergence, communication and collaboration between and among key players of development.

As a part of its goal to encourage the establishment of technology-based businesses, ATBI provides assistance to incubatees in business planning and actual business operation. It also conducts seminars and trainings that can help entrepreneurs improve their knowledge about business operation. It also provides a venue where an incubatee can further develop hi/her product.