The National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) 2024 held at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, from November 27 to December 1, was a landmark event showcasing the Philippines' commitment to scientific advancement, sustainability, and innovation. Each day brought a rich tapestry of activities, forums, and exhibitions, all designed to foster collaboration, inspire creativity, and ignite interest in science and technology. Let's take a closer look at some of the key events that defined this extraordinary week.
Day 1: November 27 — Grand Opening and Initial Highlights
Main Events:
- NSTW Grand Opening Ceremony (Main Stage, Rotunda): The week commenced with a dynamic opening ceremony, featuring keynote speeches from DOST officials, local government representatives, and industry leaders. The focus was on fostering a sustainable and inclusive green economy through scientific innovation.
- 2024 CEST Forum and Awards: This forum highlighted green innovations and their role in creating sustainable economies. Awards were presented to outstanding initiatives in community empowerment and environmental conservation.
- Press Conference for Day 1 (Luxe Hotel): Engaged the media with discussions on the goals and expectations for NSTW 2024, addressing how innovations could address pressing social and environmental issues.
- EXPERTially 4U (Cinema 4, Limketkai Mall): Provided an opportunity for experts to share their insights on various fields, from renewable energy to technological entrepreneurship.
- Scholars' Technopreneurship Training Program Pitching Competition: Young scholars presented their innovative business ideas, promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of scientific knowledge.
Day 2: November 28 — Sustainability and Technological Innovation
Main Events:
- DOST Circular Economy Initiatives (Main Stage, Rotunda): Highlighted projects focusing on smart and sustainable community development, featuring case studies on waste reduction and resource efficiency.
- 2024 1st Mindanao Microelectronics Forum (Mallberry Hotel): Aimed at advancing microelectronics in Mindanao, the forum covered topics such as semiconductor innovations and their applications in various industries.
- 3rd Philippine HANDAthon Conference: Focused on disaster resilience through innovation, featuring solutions for early warning systems and post-disaster recovery technologies.
- Level Up: DOST Esports Game Dev Challenge (USTP Break Hall): Demonstrated the growing relevance of the gaming industry in the tech sector, with participants showcasing game prototypes developed during the competition.
- StartUp Jam Pitching Competition (Cinema 4, Limketkai Mall): Continued from Day 1, this event saw tech startups pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Exhibit Highlights:
- Various booths featured smart technologies and prototypes for circular economy models, encouraging participants to engage with real-world applications of sustainable innovations.
Day 3: November 29 — Industry Empowerment and Digital Future
Main Events:
- Level Up: DOST Esports Game Dev Challenge (Awarding, Main Stage, Rotunda): Recognized the best game developers, reinforcing the importance of digital innovation in the entertainment and education sectors.
- Salinlahi Symposium Series (Luxe Hotel): Focused on critical topics like climate change, renewable energy, and digital transformation, engaging a wide array of stakeholders.
- Food Security and Green Economy Forum: Addressed the challenges of ensuring food security through innovative technologies. Discussions revolved around sustainable farming practices and green economies.
- TechnoMETALurg: Smart Solutions for MSMEs: Explored technological innovations specifically designed to bridge the technology gaps for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in manufacturing and agriculture.
- Bamboo Innovations Forum: Presented the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource, covering topics from cultivation techniques to innovative bamboo-based products.
Day 4: November 30 — Technology for Progress and Closing Ceremonies
Main Events:
- DOST GFPA@10 and DOST GAD Mainstreaming Awards: Recognized efforts in gender and development (GAD) and highlighted projects contributing to gender equality in the science and tech sector.
- 2024 Philippine Textile Congress: Showcased innovative textile technologies, particularly those focusing on sustainability and local material utilization.
- Maki-INDAK Sayaw para sa Matatag na KaISipan (Main Stage, Rotunda): A cultural highlight that combined traditional dance with modern interpretations, emphasizing the role of cultural heritage in innovation.
- Youth Excellence in Science Awards: Celebrated outstanding young scientists and innovators, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science and technology.
Closing Ceremony:
A grand culmination of the week's activities, featuring a summary of achievements, highlights from various forums, and recognition of key contributors.
Day 5: December 1 — Investing in Future Generations
Main Events:
- MAGHANDA for KIDS (Main Stage, Rotunda): Focused on interactive STEM activities designed for children, fostering early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event featured fun experiments, games, and educational sessions.
Exhibits and Interactive Areas:
- Atrium: Featured main Science and Technology (S&T) exhibits, highlighting groundbreaking research and innovations from various institutions.
- Activity Area 2/F, East Concourse: Local exhibits showcased regional innovations, emphasizing Mindanao’s role in national development.
- Parking C: NuLab: STEM in Motion, a mobile science laboratory, offered hands-on experiences. The Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCoV) demonstrated disaster response capabilities. Additionally, the Food-on-the-Road Innovation Facility showcased portable food processing technologies.
A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
NSTW 2024 in Cagayan de Oro was more than a celebration of science—it was a testament to the transformative power of innovation. Each activity, from pitch competitions to forums on food security, demonstrated how science and technology can address real-world challenges. The event fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors, engaged the youth, and highlighted the importance of sustainability in shaping a better future.
Cagayan de Oro has once again proven itself as a hub of innovation, driving progress not just in Mindanao but across the Philippines.
Stay tuned with Cagayan de Oro Today for more updates on groundbreaking events and innovations shaping our region!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.