The TECH VANGUARD: Faculty and Industry Innovators Pitching Event ignited an atmosphere of passion, creativity, and competition as some of the region’s brightest innovators took the stage to present their visionary projects. More than just a showcase, the event became a battle of transformative ideas, where participants were challenged to prove the real-world potential of their innovations.
Among the diverse pool of talented presenters, two institutions emerged as the most celebrated contenders of the event:
- Ilocos Sur Community College, with their forward-thinking food innovation featuring Banana Stem Fries
- Pangasinan State University – Asingan Campus, presenting the refreshing and sustainable Nypa Tropicoolers
Their head-to-head pitch captivated both the judging panel and the audience, turning the event into a thrilling innovation showdown that highlighted not only creativity but the powerful potential of sustainable agriculture-based solutions for Region I.
In her message, Dr. Razeale G. Resultay, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation of Pangasinan State University, expressed deep admiration for the competitors:
“What an incredible day! The passion and talent behind every pitch at TECH VANGUARD has been truly inspiring. This event perfectly captures the heartbeat of our university—a place where brilliant minds come together to turn bold ideas into reality. To our winners and to every participant, thank you for your courage and for showing us the future, one innovation at a time.”
Echoing this sentiment, PSU University President, Dr. Elbert M. Galas, emphasized the importance of faculty-led innovation:
“The TECH VANGUARD event is a powerful demonstration of the innovative spirit that defines our academic community. The groundbreaking work we’ve seen today from our faculty and industry partners is a strong reminder that our institutions are not just places of learning, but incubators of progress. These ideas will undoubtedly shape the future, and we are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this change.”
While one project may eventually take home the title, the real success of TECH VANGUARD lies in the collective brilliance and collaborative energy displayed throughout the competition. The event proved that when faculty researchers and industry innovators converge, the result is more than just a pitch—it is a movement toward progress, a call to action, and a blueprint for the future of regional innovation.
The TECH VANGUARD event stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of faculty and industry leaders who continue to challenge boundaries and reimagine possibilities. As the competition closed, one message was clear: When great minds collide—innovation wins.