NOCCI President Edward Du, together with NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni, had a meeting with Leave a Nest Country Representative, Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla, and Ms. Joanna Marie J. Cua. Leave a Nest is a for-profit social enterprise headquartered in Japan that aims to contribute to society through science and technology. Their organization’s primary advocacy is supporting business startups especially those involved in deep technologies. Their main initiative for deep technology startup and tech transfer support is called Tech Planter, which serves as a platform to help both incorporated deep technology startups, as well as research teams that are keen on bringing the technologies that they have developed into the market. This initiative started in Japan in 2014, and has also been implemented in the Philippines since 2017.
For this year however, they will start implementing Tech Planter Visayas, which will focus on supporting deep tech researchers and startups in the Visayas region only. In Japan, they also have regional implementations of Tech Planter, and these are supported by the local government since it is important in the economic development of their regions
NOCCI Explores Deep Tech Collaboration with Leave a Nest
In a strategic move to advance technological innovation and support local startups, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) held a pivotal meeting with representatives from Leave a Nest, a prominent Japanese social enterprise. NOCCI President Edward Du and Executive Director John Jalandoni engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla, Leave a Nest’s Country Representative, and Ms. Joanna Marie J. Cua. The meeting aimed to discuss potential collaborations and the implementation of the Tech Planter initiative in the Visayas region.
Advancing Technological Innovation
Leave a Nest, headquartered in Japan, is dedicated to contributing to society through the advancement of science and technology. Their primary focus is on supporting business startups, particularly those involved in deep technologies. Dr. Dulla and Ms. Cua provided an overview of Leave a Nest’s mission and their flagship initiative, Tech Planter. Launched in Japan in 2014, Tech Planter serves as a platform to assist deep technology startups and research teams in commercializing their innovations.
Tech Planter in the Philippines
Since its introduction to the Philippines in 2017, Tech Planter has played a crucial role in nurturing deep tech startups. The initiative is designed to provide mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to startups and research teams aiming to bring their technological developments to market. Dr. Dulla emphasized the importance of regional implementation, noting that in Japan, local government support has been instrumental in the success of Tech Planter. The upcoming Tech Planter Visayas will focus on deep tech researchers and startups within the Visayas region, aligning with the economic development goals of the local community.
NOCCI’s Commitment to Innovation
NOCCI President Edward Du expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting NOCCI’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in Negros Oriental. “Our partnership with Leave a Nest represents a significant step towards building a robust ecosystem for deep tech startups in our region. By leveraging the Tech Planter platform, we can provide essential support to local innovators, helping them to scale their technologies and contribute to the economic development of the Visayas,” Du stated.
Mutual Goals and Future Plans
During the meeting, both parties discussed the logistics and strategic planning necessary for the successful implementation of Tech Planter Visayas. Executive Director John Jalandoni underscored the potential benefits of this collaboration for local businesses and researchers. “The introduction of Tech Planter Visayas aligns perfectly with NOCCI’s vision to support and nurture local enterprises. This initiative will not only provide startups with the resources they need but also create a pipeline of innovative solutions that can address various regional challenges,” Jalandoni explained.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
Dr. Dulla and Ms. Cua shared insights into the operational aspects of Tech Planter, including the types of support available to startups, such as mentoring from industry experts, networking opportunities, and potential funding. They also discussed the importance of creating a collaborative environment where startups can thrive. “Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that encourages innovation and fosters the growth of deep tech startups. By working closely with NOCCI and local stakeholders, we can ensure that these startups receive the necessary support to succeed,” Dr. Dulla remarked.
Impact on the Local Economy
The collaboration between NOCCI and Leave a Nest is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy. By supporting deep tech startups, the initiative aims to drive technological advancements and create high-value jobs in Negros Oriental and the broader Visayas region. Ms. Cua emphasized the potential for regional economic development, stating, “Tech Planter Visayas will serve as a catalyst for innovation, attracting talent and investment to the region. This will not only benefit the startups but also contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the Visayas.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing the Tech Planter initiative in the Visayas. Both NOCCI and Leave a Nest are optimistic about the potential of this collaboration to transform the local startup landscape and drive economic growth. As preparations for the launch of Tech Planter Visayas begin, the partnership between NOCCI and Leave a Nest promises to bring new opportunities and innovation to Negros Oriental.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in NOCCI’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and promote sustainable economic development. By fostering a supportive environment for deep tech startups, NOCCI and Leave a Nest are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for the Visayas region.
