“Zappify is a realization and perfection of the University’s technology transfer framework: from research to intellectual property protection, and incubation to commercialization.”
In a speech delivered to the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) community on August 6, 2024, at the USeP Obrero Campus field, University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. took the opportunity to showcase the Zappify- one of the official technologies and products of the University- that has perfected the research to commercialization framework of the University.
President Gabales also shared how grateful he is for the University councils, academic units, University offices, partners, and men and women who worked for the success of Zappify. He also extended his jubilation to Mundo Engineering Works for accepting the challenge which was officially sealed through a ceremonial signing of the Technology Transfer Licensing Agreement (TTLA) and for being one with the University in its vision of becoming a premier research University that transforms lives and communities- through this technology to uplift farmers’ quality of life and decrease the dependence of agriculture communities to chemicals that can potentially damage the quality of soil.
Mundo Engineering Works, being the licensee of the technology, will help the University fabricate and market Zappify to respond to the current demand of the product.
President Gabales also encouraged the members of the community to engage in research to technology transfer endeavors that facilitate Government-Academe-Industry collaboration like the Zappify.
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Division (KTTD) Director Dr. Karl P. Campos during the unveiling of the technology walked the audience through the process undergone by Zappify. Dr. Campos also relayed the testimonies of the farmers who were assisted by the product.
“We receive positive feedback on field tests from the farmers as our end-uses, such as an increase in the harvest yields from 80 sacks to 120 sacks of rice per hectare and that Zappify stopped them from relying on the application of insecticides- reasoning that they can save more, earn more, and free from chemical exposures,” Dr. Campos said.
Moreover, Dr. Campos revealed that the University has already received a written recommendation on fair transactions from the Fairness Opinion Board of the Department of Science and Technology. With KTTD as the lead office to handle commercialization and technology transfer of the University, Dr. Campos said that the office received bulk inquiries on the technology from farmer’s cooperatives; and local government units have already signified and even passed procurement resolutions, and private individuals have pledged to market Zappify.
Zappify is an IoT-based pest control agricultural device that uses light traps, swatters, and solar PV technology to zap insect pests in the rice field. A University-funded research innovation, Zappify boasts as a product of collaborative efforts of USeP faculty researchers from the College of Technology, College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, and College of Development Management.
The inventors consist of Assistant Professor Keno M. Mendoza, project leader with co-inventors: Dr. Orvil M. Basug, Assistant Professor Gregorio S. Gelmo, Associate Professor Rolando P. Villotes, Engr. Filmann T. Simpao, Engr. Kim D. Andripa, Dr. Larry V. Aceres, and Dr. Rec E. Eguia.
It can be recalled that USeP emerged as champion under the Faculty Category in the Innovation, Variation, Acceleration through Research (InnoVAR): Research Pitching Competition of the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024, with Asst. Prof. Mendoza pitching Zappify.
The success of Zappify demonstrates the commitment of USeP researchers and inventors, the unwavering support of the administration, robust and invaluable participation of stakeholders, and the collective resolve of the University community in realizing the vision of transforming lives and communities- trough impactful research and innovation.
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