NVSU champions Technology Commercialization with Reg’l Win in YFC 2024 Agri-Enterprise tilt

Exemplifying the university’s commitment to technology commercialization through their innovative agri-enterprise, Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) student agri-entrepreneurs emerged as regional champions in the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2024 Intercollegiate Competition during the Provincial and Regional Awarding Ceremony held on April 10 at Robinsons Place, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Representing NVSU with pride, Mark Nover Serada, Erika May Saludo, and Jana Marie Barias showcased their innovative project, AeroSun Harvests—an agri-entrepreneurial venture that utilizes advanced solar-powered automated aeroponics inside a state-of-the-art greenhouse to produce high-quality crops.

Coached by Dr. Hazel Ugot, their breakthrough idea triumphed over entries from other top state universities in the region, earning them a Php 250,000 financial grant to further develop and realize their enterprise.

Serada, Saludo, and Barias will carry the banner of Region 2 at the national level of the competition this May.

Meanwhile, other NVSU student agri-entrepreneurs who were recognized as Provincial Awardees include Hipolito Quipo from the College of Agriculture (CAg) with his project Saranay Food Products, which focuses on the production of tomato wine, tomato jam, and other value-added tomato products.

Another notable group is composed of Joshua Benedict Cruz and Andrew Thomas Baytic from the College of Business Education, along with John Mark Eugenio from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), who developed AbotKaya, a text-based marketing platform for agricultural products that is currently integrating with SMART PLDT.

Also awarded was the team behind Areca Chew Candy, developed by Faith Lagasca, Michelle Lajer, and Micah Olaya from the College of Business Education (CBE), which features candies and other products derived from areca nut.

Additional awardees include Nutrikat Delights, presented by Jabrielle Marinas, Karen Dinamling, and Nicca Vergara from the College of Human Ecology (CHE), offering innovative ice cream infused with squash, carrots, and katmon.

Golden Peel Delights, crafted by Jacky Bumidang, Ariane Lorenzo, and Lovellaine Luis, also from the College of Human Ecology (CHE), gained attention for their unique mandarin-flavored pandesal.

Lastly, Eggscapade Delight Eggery, managed by Janeo Ortiz of the College of Human Ecology (CHE), was recognized for its focus on sustainable egg production.

University President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. expressed immense pride in the students’ achievement, highlighting its alignment with the university’s strategic direction.

“I am very proud of you. You epitomize our Development Goal 3: Technology Commercialization. “With the prize that you received, I expect you to take the next step—to commercialize your innovation and turn it into a sustainable enterprise.” Dr. Dumale remarked.

Dr. Dumale emphasized that technology commercialization is a cornerstone of NVSU’s vision for long-term development and sustainability.

“We’re very optimistic and driven because this is truly on of our development goals. Technology Commercialization is now the name of the game, and it’s where we must focus our efforts to build a sustainable future,” he said.

This victory reflects NVSU’s commitment to its Development Goal 3: Technology Commercialization driven by the support of the university’s Sabatan Technopreneurs Hub, reflecting the university's ongoing efforts to translate research and innovation into impactful, market-ready solutions.