TWO professors from De La Salle University recently won in the United Nations Development Programme ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge 2024.

Dr. Ronnie Concepcion II of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management and Dr. Erica Silk Dela Paz of the Department of Biology were recognized for their project titled “Aquagentech’s ISDA: Integrated System for Diseases in Aquaculture.”

“Their proposed product for commercialization is named ISDA: Integrated System for Diseases in Aquaculture, which is an innovative mobile application for sustainable aquaculture aimed at combating disease outbreaks in shrimp and tilapia farming in Southeast Asia,” the university said.

Out of 1,341 research and development and commercialization proposals, 60 winners were selected by a Joint Selection Committee composed of the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, and the Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia.

The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge represents a unique initiative aimed at fostering the development of the blue economy in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.

It seeks to identify, finance, and support innovative solutions geared towards the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and freshwater resources. In addition to providing financial support, it facilitates connections between innovators and potential stakeholders, including investors and business entities.