Batangas State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ National Engineering University, is taking bold strides toward the future of innovation, research, and industry-academe collaboration with the inauguration of the highly anticipated Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park’s Ventures Hub. Launched on June 19, 2025, this innovation space, located within BatStateU’s pioneering KIST Park, is set to transform the local startup ecosystem by turning visionary ideas into thriving ventures.
The Ventures Hub offers modular locator spaces tailored to help startups grow and scale up. It empowers industry locators to collaborate, explore ideas, and seize opportunities in partnership with BatStateU. At the Ventures Hub, BatStateU’s commitment to innovation becomes action—delivering on the commitment of From Vision to Ventures. Its focus spans high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, agritech,healthtech, and more—reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing technologies that solve real-world problems.
“Through initiatives like the Ventures Hub, we are ensuring that our students, researchers, and entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and expertise to bring their ideas to life—creating solutions that resonate on a global scale. The Ventures Hub will empower the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and fuel economic growth by turning their visions into thriving businesses that will drive the Philippine economy forward,” shared Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, University President and Chief Operating Officer of BatStateU KIST Park, reflecting on KIST Park’s journey from its inception as a vision approved by the Board of Regents in 2016, to its declaration as a PEZA-registered Special Economic Zone in 2020, and now to its current status as it evolves into a reality.
Central to the unique value proposition of BatStateU KIST Park is its access to BatStateU’s rich pool of talent, providing startups with world-class expertise, transformative research programs, and a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster innovation. This strategic partnership ensures that ventures can seamlessly transition from research and development to market-ready solutions, enhancing their global competitiveness.
The inauguration ceremony kicked off with a ribbon-cutting event, followed by speeches from key stakeholders in the education and tech sectors, including Dr. Marita R. Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC) of DOST; and Dir. Carmela P. Matabang, Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Region IV-A. They all emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and academe in advancing the country’s technology and innovation landscape.
Startups and industry locators at Ventures Hub recognize the value of being part of an ecosystem where they are not building in isolation, but co-creating alongside researchers, students, and fellow innovators. The Ventures Hub provides the structure and support they need to move quickly, test ideas, and focus on building what truly matters.
During the inauguration, existing industry locators, such as Plant Science Philippines Corporation, ParallaxED, TRIOE, Lycan Motorcycles, among others, participated in a unit exhibition showcasing their innovations, capabilities, and active role in shaping the vibrant, collaborative ecosystem within KIST Park.
BatStateU KIST Park offers substantial government-backed incentives, including income tax holidays, VAT zero-rating, and streamlined business registration processes. These advantages reduce barriers to innovation, creating an ideal environment for startups to scale and succeed.
BatStateU KIST Park, the first PEZA-registered Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park in the Philippines, is located in Alangilan, Batangas City. It serves as a hub for innovation, research, and industry-academe collaboration, designed to support tech-based startups and innovation-driven industry locators. The park provides purpose-built infrastructure and dynamic spaces like the Ventures Hub to help “Transform Knowledge into Technology.”
For additional information about the Philippine’s First KIST visit: https://firstkistpark.com/
