UPV tilapia innovation wins second-best pitch at AIPF

ILOILO CITY — The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) strengthened its presence in the national innovation landscape after its SpiN Tilapia Technology won second-best pitch at the 3rd Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) 2026 on Aug. 11 at the DOST-PCAARRD campus in Los Baños, Laguna.

Presented by lead technology generator Dr. Sanny David Lumayno, the UPV SpiN Tilapia Technology pitch highlighted the need to advance tilapia aquaculture amid the country’s growing food security needs and the increasing economic value of aquaculture to Philippine markets.

The technology also reflects UPV’s continuing efforts to develop science-based innovations that address challenges in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors while creating opportunities for commercialization and industry adoption.

Lumayno’s achievement adds to UP Visayas’ record of advancing innovation and technology transfer by turning research and development outputs into technologies with potential economic and societal impact.

Another university-developed innovation, Microalgal Paste, was also featured under the Startup Company Category.

Soledad Garibay pitched for Algacon Aquafeeds Manufacturing, the university’s first spinoff company.

UPV also participated in the event’s exhibition component through the RAISE Western Visayas booth, which showcased promising agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resources technologies.

Among the featured innovations was AANR TRACER, or Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Technology Readiness for Commercialization Enhancement and Roadmapping, a digital tool designed 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; 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 communities, industries, and markets.

The event brought together researchers, technology developers, startups, industry partners, and potential investors to strengthen the pathway from research to innovation, commercialization, and real-world application.

The 3rd AIPF was organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development organized the 3rd AIPF to accelerate the commercialization and wider adoption of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources technologies.

UPV has long positioned fisheries and marine sciences among its core areas of instruction, research, and extension, with its researchers developing technologies for aquaculture, fisheries, and related sectors.

Its SpiN tilapia research is part of broader UPV efforts to improve tilapia production through science-based breeding and aquaculture technologies.

With another strong showing at the national level, UP Visayas continues to demonstrate the potential of Western Visayas-based research to connect with industry and generate practical impact. (Ferelyn F. Oliva, RAISE Western Visayas assistant program leader)