I made a very interesting discovery. Filipino inventors are not rare. In fact, we have quite an impressive roster of them in some websites. Google “Filipino investors” and here are some of the information you would find.

Inventions range from incubator, fluorescent lamp, a water-powered car, the karaoke system, a videophone, erythromycin, a chip that makes computers work a lot faster and the Ethernet controller chip that made the Internet possible, and a revolutionary fuel half-composed of water. (Source, DOST website)

So why haven’t we heard of them? Why do we know more about Microsoft and Post-It and other products that are were not invented in our own shores?

Fortunato de la Pena of the Department of Science and Technology said in this article I wrote that only 15 percent of Philippine entrepreneurs use innovative technology.

“We are too good at copying and adapting,” he says.

What a waste of talent.

Are you ready to break the trend? Here are some new researches from students that could present new opportunities.

At the BPI Foundation-DOST search for “The Best Project of the Year” last week, officials chose three outstanding researches in pioneering areas.

“Carla Gisela Ysabel P. Concepcion, a graduating BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology student at UP Diliman, won first place for her research on tracking the growth of cancer cells in the human body.

Second place was Christina Lora M. Leyson, another graduating MBB student at UP Diliman, for her research on detecting a virus that kills abaca. Juan Paulo M. Antonio of the University of Santo Tomas won third place for his research on the inedible and common Bitaog seed as an alternative source of biodiesel.”

BPI has been recognizing budding scientists for almost two decades as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. Makes you wonder why a bank is into science projects? Think of it this way. More innovative companies, more clients :). Strategic thinking.

Back to the bright, young students I met last Friday. It was the light in their eyes that caused me to hope that someday, these students will find a mentor to help them develop their products and market them to the world and not just sell the idea to a foreign company. How I wish you are the one!

Inedible, common Bitaog seed
(Photos by Revoli Cortez, courtesy of BPI Foundation)