By Shane Rachel del Rosario
Three DOST-assisted Filipino inventions and technologies spiced up the international innovation scene after bagging gold awards in the WorldInvent Singapore (WoSG) 2024 last July 9-11, 2024.
WoSG is an international invention show organized by the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Association (IDEA) which aims to showcase innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. It also serves as a platform to collaborate and connect with inventors, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The inventions were Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization (HIMO) of the Hiraya Technology Solutions Inc., QBX-Strong Motion Accelerograph (QBX-SMA) of Tekton Geometrix Inc., and the ChaRM - Charging in Minutes of CHRG EV Technologies Inc.
Smart waters through Hiraya Tech’s HIMO
The Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization made waves in the international invention show after securing the gold award, Best ASEAN Award, and a Thailand Award for the Best International Invention and Innovation from the National Research Council of Thailand. It is a water management system which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technology to help water facilities reduce losses in non-revenue water, reduce power consumption, and improve service levels by gathering real-time data to control operations in water facilities.
Developed by Engineers Stephen Larcia, Jan Russel Diolata, and Jam Benneth Wong of the Hiraya Technology Solutions Inc., it marries AI technology and data analytics for water resource management.
“Winning multiple awards during WorldInvent Singapore 2024 was a surreal experience. Initially, our goal was to showcase our product to as many people as possible, without any specific expectations of winning. The recognition we received was truly heartfelt and served as a strong affirmation that we are heading in the right direction,” Diolata expressed.
Cleaner energy through CHRG EV Technologies’ CharM
The second home-grown innovation and technology which bagged the gold award and also a Thailand Award for the Best International Invention and Innovation from the National Research Council of Thailand is CHRG Ev Technologies’ Charging in Minutes or CharM. It introduces a faster, sustainable, and cheaper way of powering electric vehicles.
Engineer Leo Allen Tayo of CHRG EV Technologies spearheaded the development of the charging technology, which reduces the conventional charging time from 4-6 hours to approximately 30 minutes. It supports Singapore’s emission reduction goals and fosters sustainability in the field of transportation as it integrates renewable energy and high efficiency.
Earthquake preparedness through Tekton Geometrix’ QBX-SMA
The QBX-Strong Motion Accelerograph, which helps cultivate a culture of disaster preparedness, also clinched the gold award and a Special Prize from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA). It is a seismic monitoring device made from 70% recyclable materials. It helps ensure building safety by providing accessible, data-driven solutions for reliable early warnings, informed decision-making, and adherence to building codes.
Engineers Emmanuel Ramos, Mark Linus Ramos, and Rodolfo Alfonso Sabio of Tekton Geometrix were the people behind the promising innovation. With its Android touch interface, the QBX-SMA measures strong earthquake shaking, allowing informed decisions before, during, and after seismic events.
“Winning the Gold Medal and the Best International Invention Award from the Korea Invention Promotion Association was a surprise to us and brought honor to our country. Our main aim in participating in WorldInvent was to showcase Filipino innovation and creativity, and to demonstrate advanced technologies that can benefit our nation,” Sabio narrated.
‘A shared achievement’
The Filipino inventors expressed their gratitude to DOST-TAPI after securing major feats in the international invention show.
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes to DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, and DOST-TAPI staff members Ella De Luna and Mirielle Vacal, as well as the Government of the Philippines, for their unwavering support and collaboration. Government support is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving business, technology, and innovation goals. We are grateful and honored to work and collaborate with DOST-TAPI and DOST-PCIEERD Programs and reach this international recognition,” Engr. Sabio of Tekton Geometrix said.
Diolata of Hiraya Tech also stressed that their achievement is best shared with the people who helped them throughout the event.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to DOST-TAPI for their unwavering support and for bringing us to WorldInvent Singapore 2024. Their guidance and encouragement were invaluable throughout our preparation and during the exhibit. We are also immensely thankful to our fellow delegates, whose camaraderie and collaborative spirit made the entire experience enjoyable and enriching. Their support created a positive and motivating environment. This success is a shared achievement, and we are grateful for the collective effort and support that made it possible,” Engr. Diolata said.
Engineer Sabio encouraged Filipino innovators to take advantage of the support given by government agencies like the DOST-TAPI to home-grown inventions and technologies.
“Filipino entrepreneurs and inventors can thrive even with limited resources by seeking available opportunities. The Philippine government, through DOST S&T Programs, is supportive of local startups and entrepreneurs to boost the economy. Entrepreneurs should take advantage of this support and continuously seek opportunities to establish themselves in the market,” he advised.
Ways forward
For the innovators, securing major feats in the international invention tilt was only a step closer to producing more promising inventions that will help stir solutions to pressing global challenges.
“The international recognition we received serves as a testament to the quality and effectiveness of our innovations. Moving forward, we hope to gain even more trust and support within the Philippines, enabling us to create a meaningful and widespread impact. Our focus will be on expanding our reach and continuing to innovate for the betterment of society,” Engr. Diolata expressed.
Aside from the inventions that bagged gold awards, the country was able to cement its dominating presence in the innovation tilt after three more of its entries bagged the silver awards, namely BDOZ Veterinary Products Trading’s Ethnobotanical Dewormer for Native Chicken, UPLB-Biotech’s WiltCure Biopesticide, and USHER Technologies Inc’s HOCLOMAC.
As the country aims to further cultivate excellence in the field of research and development, these feats serve as a testament that Filipinos are solidifying their presence on the frontlines of stirring solutions to pressing global challenges not only in the present but also for future generations to come.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
