UPMin and Palafox Partner to Shape Davao's Future with KIST Park: A Hub for Innovation and Sustainability

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The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) is collaborating with Palafox and Associates, a leading urban planning firm, to develop the master plan for the Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park. This 12-hectare development aims to transform Davao City into a regional hub for innovation and sustainable development.

Vision and Objectives

The KIST Park is designed to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government, focusing on biotechnology and technology-driven solutions. Key facilities will include:

Technology Innovation Hub: A collaborative space to nurture new technologies and industry-academia partnerships.

Technology Resource Center: Dedicated to providing resources and support for startups and spin-offs.

Translation OMICS Facility: Bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications.

Laboratory and Pilot Plant: Supporting research in areas such as biomass processing, fiber materials development, and food technology.

These facilities aim to create an ecosystem where science and technology thrive, directly contributing to economic growth and addressing local and global challenges. 

Collaboration with Palafox and Associates

Palafox and Associates brings extensive experience in urban planning and sustainable design to the KIST Park project. Their previous work includes the Batangas State University KIST Park, the first of its kind in the Philippines. For UPMin's KIST Park, Palafox is providing master planning services to create a space that fosters knowledge-sharing, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship.

Funding and Support

The KIST Park project is set to benefit from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) PRISTINE Project, which aims to improve the national innovation ecosystem by establishing applied research and development infrastructure. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a loan for the PRISTINE program, with UPMin anticipating funding of approximately P650 million for the KIST Park innovation infrastructure. 

Impact on the Region

The KIST Park aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education, industry, innovation, and infrastructure. By fostering a research-driven ecosystem that prioritizes both social and environmental responsibility, the KIST Park positions itself as a key driver of sustainable development in the Davao Region, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact. 

Through this collaboration, UPMin and Palafox and Associates are laying the groundwork for a transformative project that promises to elevate Davao City's status as a center of innovation and sustainable development in the Philippines.

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