TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – The Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) is challenging innovators, researchers, and startup founders to turn their attention to the sea, calling for new technologies that can address urgent issues in the Blue Economy.

The appeal came during the RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference held at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City, and organized by DNSC’s technology business incubator, Blue Economy Underpinning Global Sustainability through Adaptive Innovations (BUGSAI TBI). The gathering last August 1 brought together about 150 stakeholders — from ICT and engineering organizations to fisherfolk associations, students, researchers, and government agencies — all sharing a common interest in marine innovation.

Keynote discussions covered a wide scope of Blue Economy domains, including Fisheries and Aquaculture, Shipping and Maritime Trade, Ocean-Based Logistics, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Marine Protection and Conservation, and Renewable Ocean Energy. The event also featured a marine products trade fair, a techno fair highlighting ocean tech and research, and a pitching session for blue innovation concepts from DNSC.

“Oftentimes, when innovators ideate about what their next project or research will be, the ocean and the Blue Economy is not always on their top of mind. And while it has been promoted ever since, the significance of the Blue Economy is gaining more attention now locally and internationally, so we do not want to miss that opportunity to contribute to its development,” said Dr. Jesebel R. Besas, project leader of DOST-DNSC BUGSAI TBI.

She added: “Our challenge with them is that with the knowledge, skills, networks, and passion that we have and we gained here, what tech innovations or startups can we build for to sustain the ocean, address its challenges, and uplift the communities around it?”

DNSC President Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa emphasized the urgency of collective action.

“The ocean is not just a resource; it is our lifeline. Yet, for too long, its challenges have outpaced our solutions. But, here, we change that narrative. We unite the academics, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to create more than dialogue but spark actionable innovation. We create a dynamic platform for collaboration, one that challenges conventional approaches and inspires transformative solutions to the pressing issues facing our oceans and coastal communities,” she said.

She also noted that this effort aligns with DNSC’s vision of becoming the leading institution in agri-fisheries and socio-cultural development in the ASEAN region.

The event was supported by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) in collaboration with BluC53, DOST Davao Region, DOST PSTO–Davao del Norte, DTI Davao Region, BFAR, DICT Davao, MinDA, the LGU of Panabo City, and the DNSC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center.