(front, L-R: DICT Undersecretary Herson Assidao, DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, SEIPI President Danilo Lachica, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, DOST Assistant Secretary Napoleon Juanillo Jr., and IBM Almaden’s Christina Howell)
A high-level delegation from the Philippines recently visited San Francisco and Silicon Valley for a four-day mission following their participation in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in the United States.
On a mission to foster future-proof industries and revolutionize innovation, the delegation of representatives from key government agencies and industry associations focused on three strategic themes: Industry 4.0 and “Mindfacturing” initiatives, Quantum Computing exploration, and Startup Ecosystem development.
Aside from visiting a wafer fab facility in Silicon Valley, the delegation also explored collaboration opportunities with Autodesk, a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and construction software. This collaboration aims to showcase cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies in a pilot factory that will revolutionize the country’s manufacturing sector. It is seen to propel the Philippine manufacturing sector towards excellence, efficiency, sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The delegation also visited IBM Almaden and Atom Computing to gain insights on the potential application of quantum computing in various sectors to address the challenges in the Philippines. IBM Almaden is a renowned quantum computing research center, while Atom Computing is a company pioneering scalable gate-based quantum computers.
During their visit to UC Berkeley’s Center for Quantum Coherent Science, the Philippine delegation also explored the Challenge Institute for Quantum Computation (CICQ), a university-led research powerhouse tackling key challenges in building a practical quantum computer. By attracting diverse and multi-disciplinary talents and collaborating with industries, CICQ develops quantum technologies that could revolutionize fields from drug discovery to cryptography.
The delegates recognized the potential of CICQ as a model for integrating quantum computing into the future. Quantum computing holds immense promise for healthcare, information management, materials development, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy sectors, and the proposed establishment of Virology and Vaccines Institute.
Further, the delegation met with leading organizations like Plug and Play, Mind the Bridge, and Dynamico Space, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. The discussions centered around potential partnerships and initiatives to bolster Philippine startups.
These startup initiatives include the development of a national startup strategy that aims to provide access to global networks and resources. Additionally, they discussed using an AI-powered business matching platform to connect Philippine startups with potential partners and investors and foster collaboration among local incubators, accelerators, universities, and venture capitalists.
According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, the Philippines’ mission to Silicon Valley showcased a collaborative approach between government and industry to propel the country to the forefront of emerging technologies and a thriving startup ecosystem.
“Aligned with the country’s new ‘mindfacturing’ strategy, driven by knowledge and innovation, this commitment positions the Philippines as a global player in the innovation landscape, ready for a future driven by creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement,” she added.
