BatStateU opens 7th IRCIEST, ignites global dialogue on transformative research and innovation
BatStateU opens 7th IRCIEST, ignites global dialogue on transformative research and innovation With bold steps toward fostering research that drives global transformation, Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), officially opened the 7th International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST) on October 22, at BatStateU Pablo Borbon Campus, reaffirming its leadership in propelling innovation and research excellence across the country and the ASEAN region. Anchored on the theme “Engineering the Future: Transformative Research for Global Advancement,” this year’s biennial conference gathers delegates from across the Philippines and abroad, including faculty researchers, policy experts, government officials, and industry partners, to explore research breakthroughs and practical solutions toward the realization of national and global sustainable development goals. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of BatStateU and NEU, opened the program by welcoming innovators, researchers, academicians, and visionaries from different regions and countries. He pointed out that the growth of IRCIEST over the past 12 years reflects both the original vision of the initiative and the evolving challenges of today’s world. “The importance of this conference goes beyond mere statistics or publications… it is about translating knowledge into real-world applications that benefit communities, industries, and nations,” he remarked in his welcome address. The opening program was further enriched by the acknowledgment of co-hosts and partner institutions, led by Conference Chair Engr. Albertson D. Amante, BatStateU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services. Representing a strong international network, this year’s co-hosts include Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) in Vietnam; Indian Maritime University (IMU) in India; University of the Built Environment in the United Kingdom; and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). From the local research landscape, the conference is co-hosted by Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Caraga State University (CSU), Cavite State University (CvSU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Kalinga State University (KSU), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Rizal Technological University (RTU), Samar State University (SSU), and University of Southern Mindanao (USM). The conference also proudly collaborates with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which is set to showcase its landmark commercialization initiative, Inno.Venta 2025—an innovation marketplace that aims to accelerate the deployment of Filipino R&D outputs to industry and community. This initiative will take center stage in the days ahead, alongside high-impact plenaries, panel discussions, and paper presentations. A highlight of the program was the Keynote Message delivered by Dr. Muhammad Qasim Rana, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Built Environment, United Kingdom. His thought-provoking discourse on “Transformative Research in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” laid a critical foundation for the conference’s intellectual direction. Dr. Rana emphasized the importance of harnessing emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, and quantum computing—not only to drive innovation but also to ensure responsible and inclusive development. He explained that the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands a new generation of researchers with qualities such as empathetic leadership, systems thinking, cultural intelligence, and adaptive foresight to effectively navigate and shape technological change. Moreover, he also shared his perspective on the rapid pace of technological advancements: “Because each innovation accelerates the previous one, we will see which is the most efficient these days. This is meant to enhance our decision-making, speed, and sustainability, which are already in progress. The purpose of the Industrial Revolution is to transform how we design, produce, govern, and consume. It aims to bridge the gap between technology, human value systems, ethical innovation, inclusive innovation, climate change, and sustainability,” he said. In closing, Dr. Rana left the audience with a thought-provoking challenge: “I am leaving you with these questions: Are we ready for a dynamic transformation? Are we ready for the challenges and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence?” As the three-day conference unfolds, participants can expect cutting-edge plenary talks, multi-track paper presentations, and thematic panel sessions on topics ranging from robotics and automation, machine learning, and green technologies, to AI, technopreneurship, agriculture, climate resilience, and university innovation ecosystems. Resource speakers will include academicians, researchers, and innovators from the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam. Highlights in the succeeding days include the Inno.Venta Innovation Marketplace, a ceremonial exhibit launch, and immersive panel forums with leaders from the government, academia, and industry—including DOST, CHED, PEZA, IPOPHL, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In convening thought leaders, researchers, technologists, and students under one roof, the 7th IRCIEST serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, furthering BatStateU’s vision of engineering a future driven by purpose and progress. About 7th IRCIEST: The International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST) is a biennial conference spearheaded by Batangas State University, The National Engineering University since 2013. This aims to bring together researchers, academics, industry professionals, and students from the country and around the world to discuss the latest research and developments in the fields of engineering, science, and technology. The conference provides an excellent platform for participants to share their knowledge, research findings, and experiences, as well as to network with their peers. It also provides an opportunity to identify potential areas of collaboration and explore avenues for further research. About BatStateU The NEU Batangas State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ National Engineering University under Republic Act No. 11694, is the country’s largest engineering institution and a recognized leader in engineering and technology education. Globally recognized for its innovation and sustainability initiatives, BatStateU ranks 401–600 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 111th in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), and 304th in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The University remains committed to advancing transformative, industry-aligned education that produces globally competitive graduates and drives national development.
BatStateU’s 6th IRCIEST converges global innovation leaders in engineering, science, and technology
BATANGAS CITY — Batangas State University, The National Engineering University successfully hosted the 6th International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST), November 22-24. 6th IRCIEST is a biennial conference organized and spearheaded by Batangas State University since 2013. Centered around the theme “Propelling Transformations and Accelerating Reforms through Research and Innovations,” this year’s IRCIEST facilitated in-depth discussions among researchers, academics, industry professionals, and students from both national and international landscapes to delve into the forefronts of cutting-edge advancements in various thematic areas. Aimed to drive comprehensive transformations across academic domains and broader societal contexts, the conference also empowered diverse stakeholders, enabling them to adapt and thrive within an ever-evolving global landscape. “As we chart the evolution of this international research conference, each theme from previous years—ranging from the inaugural theme “Beyond Borders: Advancing Engineering, Science, and Technology for Multidisciplinary Convergence” in 2013 to the current focus on “Propelling Transformations and Accelerating Reforms through Research and Innovations”—tells a story of ambitious growth and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the face of an ever-changing global narrative.,” University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo expressed as he reflected on the preceding years of IRCIEST. 6th IRCIEST Conference Chair Engr. Albertson D. Amante acknowledged the co-host universities—The Indian Maritime University, College of Estate Management and Universiti of Teknologi Malaysia, for partnering with BatStateU in this much-awaited endeavor. He also extended his appreciation to the panel speakers and innovation leaders who graced this significant event. The Director of the Office of Education of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Ms. Michelle Chen delivered the keynote address, highlighting the support and initiatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in fostering government, university, and industry ties to make innovation a key driver of prosperity in the Philippines. She made a special mention of Dr. Ronquillo’s close partnership with USAID in strengthening the Philippine higher education capacity by implementing innovative diagnostics with all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and leading the creation of the platform for innovating state universities and colleges 4.0. “As a partner in prosperity, the United States remains firmly committed to supporting the Philippines in its goals of making innovation the engine of prosperity and inclusive growth”, Ms. Chen shared in her concluding keynote speech. The conference featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, and masterclasses with academicians, researchers, and innovators from the Philippines, Japan, United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, India, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam as resource speakers. Plenary Session: Panel discussion on University Models of Sustainable Innovation Topic: Redefining Higher Education: UCEM’s Online and Sustainable Approach to Innovation Topic: Kochi University’s Initiatives for Regional Sustainability and Innovation Topic: Introduction to IC Design and Advanced Technology Research of National Sun Yat-sen University Topic: Sustainability, Innovations and Futures Thinking in Engineering Education Panel discussion on Innovation Ecosystem Development Topic: Towards a Sustainable Philippine Space Ecosystem Topic: Unlocking the Potential: Satellite Imagery Applications Across Diverse Landscapes Topic: Beyond Boundaries: Fostering Collaboration and Nurturing Future Filipino Space Engineers Panel discussion on Beyond the Stars: Unveiling the Future of Space Applications Project Coordinator, Innovation Ecosystem Department, Baku, Azerbaijan Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology Director, PRIME STEP Chief, Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Philippines Panel discussion on “Conquering the Valley of Death” Parallel Masterclasses A Modular Approach to Research and Development: Hardware powered, software enabled Solving Real-World Problems with ANSYS Computer-Aided Engineering A Numerical Perspective in Ship and Ocean Hydrodynamics AI in the Classroom – Empowering Educators Tackling artificial intelligence, automation and control, biochemistry and molecular biology, data science and analytics, electronics, energy and environment, engineering education, food and agriculture, information & communication technology, instrumentation and control, marine science, materials science, nanotechnology, science and technology education, and technopreneurship, over 47 papers were accepted and presented during the parallel sessions. Finally, Atty. Luzviminda C. Rosales, Vice President for Administration and Finance extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions, culminating in the resounding success of the 6th IRCIEST. Batangas State University is the Philippines’ National Engineering University by virtue of Republic Act No. 11694. Renowned for its engineering education excellence, this Level-IV state university has produced over 180 engineering board topnotchers, cementing its position as the country’s largest engineering university. Notably, BatStateU is the first and, thus far, the only state university in the Philippines with engineering and computing programs accredited by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission and Computing Accreditation Commission. Batangas State University. (BatStateU) has earned three stars in the QS Stars Rating. Furthermore, it was ranked as the 351st World’s Most Sustainable University in the 2022 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and is also recognized as the 90th most innovative University globally in the prestigious World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2023 and secured a notable ranking between 601st-800th among 1,591 universities from 112 countries/regions in the THE Impact Rankings 2023.
Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation participates in Philippine Startup Week
One of BatStateU’s university-based startup, the Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation (CTI) participated in the country’s biggest startup conference, the Philippine Startup Week 2020, via online platform on November 23 to 27. The event which was dubbed as “Filipino Startups Powering Up the New Normal” highlighted various sectors and entities contributing to the flourishing Philippine startup ecosystem. Participants from the startup community and other stakeholders were able to learn, interact, network, and collaborate through a series of online-streamed activities such as TBI feature presentations, presentations from keynote speakers, press conferences, panel discussions, and pitching competitions. CTI was among the featured startup in the conference where it was tagged as one of the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Original Gangsters of the DOST PCIEERD in Luzon. PASUC and BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo gave an overview of the strategies and best practices aligned with the innovation initiatives of the university. BatStateU VP for Research, Development and Extension Services and TBI Manager Engr. Albertson D. Amante presented the remarkable programs, services and milestones of CTI while BatStateU CTI Program Lead Technopreneurship Teaching and Learning Engr. John Richard Esguerra presented the incubatees of the center. The Philippine Startup Week 2020 is a joint initiative of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and QBO Innovation Hub.
The first Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park launched
BATANGAS CITY. History was made as Batangas State University officially launched the country’s first Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park. In the morning of July 20, 2020, high-level officials gathered to commemorate the milestones that place BatStateU at the forefront of national development. The ceremonial launch highlighted the Presidential Proclamation No. 947, s.2020, designating BatStateU KIST Park as a Special Economic Zone, presented by Atty. McJill Bryant Fernandez, Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration Office of the President, Malacañang. Subsequently presented was the PEZA Certificate of Registration. In her congratulatory message Director General BGen. Charito Plaza underscores their mission of propagating different types of economic zones nationwide especially in the countryside. “So we can spread not just investments [but also] jobs, technology, and attain total development for the country,” she adds. In his keynote address, Sec. Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry expressed his gratitude to BatStateU under the leadership of its president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo for being a key partner of the government in fostering industry-academe linkages, knowledge and technology transfer, and promoting the commercialization of innovations. “The KIST Park will help catalyze industrial productivity and increase the economic growth of CALABARZON. This strong collaboration between government, industry, and academe is central to our inclusive innovation industrial strategy,” says Sec. Lopez. With the theme: “Towards a New Frontier of Knowledge-building and Innovation in Science & Technology,” the event was graced by DOST Sec. Fortunato dela Peña, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, and Batangas City Mayor Beverley Dimacuha. Representing the private sector were SEIPI President Dan Lachica, and IBPAP President & CEO Rey Untal. The virtual launch was attended by 79 guests on Zoom, with 751 viewers streaming on Facebook Live. A press conference was held after the ceremony, where BGen. Plaza and President Ronquillo responded to questions from guests and members of the press. Now open for business, the BatStateU KIST Park spearheads a long-term vision for “state universities and colleges in the Philippines [to] expand their programs for industry, academe, market synergy, technopreneurship, [innovation-based] business incubation & acceleration, and knowledge co-creation in science and technology,” states Tirso Ronquillo, who is also the President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). Batangas State University is a Level IV state university in the CALABARZON region, and the only SUC in the country accredited by the US Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its Engineering and Information Technology programs. It is rated 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) list of top universities.
