Around 12 potential partners and investors met with the lead researchers of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technology (IBEHT) to discuss how the research outputs and innovations can further be developed to reach the market during the Philippine Health Research Innovations Matching Event (PHRIME) held last 29 July 2022 at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila.

Co-organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, PHRIME also showcased the early-stage IP assets of PCHRD-supported technologies and allowed interactions between potential investors, lead negotiators of research and development institutes, and the PCHRD management.

Four projects teams launched their innovation portfolio to prospective partners from the production and manufacturing sector and other related industries and government agencies:

1. iFall device – a wearable device for fall detector system, pre- and post-fall heart rate, and blood pressure measurements 
2. Portable Multi-Sensor System for Sweat – a wireless multi-sensor system that has the capability to analyze measurements in sweat such as glucose, lactate, potassium and sodium as well as sweat rate and temperature 
3. SiglaVent – an Innovative Automated Ambubag intended to be used for patients requiring brief durations of assisted ventilation 
4. 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing for Biomedical Devices – emphasized the important and growing role of additive manufacturing in the biomedical sector.

PHRIME is part of the three-day event, “TEKNOLUNAS 22: Transforming Lives Through Healthcare Advancements and Biomedical Devices Innovation,” which aims to highlight the importance of commercialization and utilization of biomedical devices and health technologies, making them accessible to their beneficiaries while also promoting inclusivity and innovation. 

“By providing a platform for our researchers to discuss their projects with the industry, we want to make sure that health research outputs are ultimately translated to reach the target end users. These collaborations will play a significant role, especially as there are many daunting barriers in commercializing health research outputs. With the support of our partners, we hope to help our researchers in overcoming these barriers and encourage them to pursue more of these undertakings,” says PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya.

The conference, conducted in a hybrid setup, also focused on helping healthcare innovators showcase their contribution to the healthcare industry. An open forum followed the four presentations in which the industry representatives were given the opportunity to ask questions and converse with the lead researchers of the projects presented.

A networking event following the morning session allowed the lead investigators to expand their network and connect with prospective investors. 

“We thank the DOST for the trust, and for believing that we [IBEHT] can do it. I hope the agency will continue to support IBEHT in its vision of manufacturing reliable, safe, easy to use, accessible, and affordable biomedical devices developed by Filipino researchers for the Filipino people, eventually creating new hospital equipment in the Philippines,” says Dr. Nilo Bugtai, Director of IBEHT in his closing speech.