Success in CES: PH Innovation Showcased Global Competitiveness

06 February 2025

Mirielle Vacal

Writer at DOST-TAPI

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) delegation returned to the country with a resounding success story following their participation in the recent conduct of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition in Las Vegas, which attended nearly 150,000 people over the three days, starting from its opening day on January 7th. This was assisted under the banner of the Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits (SPICE) program and the branding of the PhilippiNOW: Philippines’ New Opportunities, Worldwide" campaign, CES 2025 served as a platform for showcasing remarkable strides for Filipino innovation on the global stage.

To know more about the delegation of DOST, READ: DOST to Spotlight Philippine Innovations at CES 2025

Global Recognition and Innovation Industry Interest

The Philippine booth at CES 2025 proved to be a magnet for visitors, attracting a significant number of attendees. A total of 321 visitors engaged with the booth, showcasing a strong interest in Filipino technology. This diverse crowd included industry leaders, professionals, potential investors, and curious onlookers from a wide range of sectors such as automotive, mining, infrastructure, and hardware, all expressing genuine interest and enthusiasm for the innovative technologies on display.

“One potential customer from a hardware company in Miami, USA, showed their interest in buying 3,000 pieces of Pili Adheseal...diverse visitors and queries from other countries like Japan, China, the US, India, and Korea further demonstrated the global appeal of Filipino innovations.”

shared Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, CEO and Inventor of Pilii Adheseal. This positive feedback from international audiences underscores the significant potential for Filipino innovations to find global markets. Added by Engr. Bantugon also had more than 200,000+ potential bulk orders for the years 2025 to 2026.

Endorsement from Key Stakeholders

The success of the CES 2025 participation was echoed by figures within the scientific and technological community. Engr. Albertson Amante from theBatangas State University emphasized the significance of the event: This acknowledgment of the Philippines’ ability to compete on a global stage is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Filipino researchers and innovators.

“Today’s opening program was the highlight,” Engr. Amante stated. “It showcased the Philippines’ biggest international exhibition of innovation and S&T-oriented research. Filipino Americans were very happy to see that the Philippines is represented in CES 2025. Our exhibit can be at par with other foreign delegates.”

This acknowledgment of the Philippines’ ability to compete on a global stage is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Filipino researchers and innovators.

Dr. Annabelle Briones, Director of DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), also expressed her enthusiasm for the positive outcomes.

“The DOST Participation in the CES 2025 was a huge success. The event provided an opportunity for Filipino researchers, inventors, and scientists to showcase innovative solutions and localized technologies. Visitors were interested in the three (3) ITDI technologies exhibition.”

This statement highlights the role of DOST-ITDI in the culture of innovation and driving technological advancements within the country.

Furthermore, the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) representative, Mr. Jeffrey Aborot, emphasized the impact of the event:

“Some visitors are quite surprised the institution is doing a lot in technology development for a relatively small organization. Several Filipino-American visitors came by and they are glad that the Philippines is participating in CES.”

This recognition of the significant contributions of DOST-ASTI underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development within the Philippines.

Another highlight of the CES 2025 experience was the successful audition of Hiraya Technology Solutions, Inc., represented by Engr. Stephen Larcia and Engr. Jan Russell Diolata, for the Casting Call for the popular business reality show, Shark Tank.

“Actually, regarding the Shark Tank audition, we just gave it a try. Their main requirement is that the mother company’s office should be based in the US. But during our presentation, one of the staff was really amazed by what Hiraya’s system can do and its potential to the market.”

Other organizations that took an interest in partnership and collaboration with our pool of delegation are the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Aether Net from El Salvador, PepsiCo, Inc., Lami Interconnect Technology, Meta Platforms, Delta Air, and, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.’s Engagements and Partnerships

During CES 2025, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., the head of the delegation, actively engaged in a series of high-level meetings and explored potential partnerships. Notable engagements included meetings with Google to discuss global innovation policy and explore potential collaborations, including meeting with Karan Bhatia, Global Head and Vice President of the Government Affairs and Public Policy of Google. Secretary Solidum also participated in a Global Minister and Ambassadors Luncheon and prepared for the Exclusive Leader in Technology Forum. He also attended the World Electronics Forum Breakfast Meeting - these interactions provided valuable insights and connections within the global technology landscape.

Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, CESO III, Director of DOST-TAPI, emphasized the importance of such events, particularly investing in these events:

“Participating in international exhibitions such as the CES 2025 is essential for translating the country’s research into real-world impact. On behalf of DOST-TAPI, we are thrilled by the positive reception and the opportunities given for collaboration that this international event has generated.”

Going Beyond: Building on the Success

Looking ahead, with the partnership and collaboration that happened, the DOST is committed to building upon this momentum. Here are some of the key priorities to look forward to DOST and DOST-TAPI’s initiatives in the coming months:

1. Facilitating collaborations between Filipino innovators and international companies to bring their inventions into the market.

2. Attracting investments to support the development of commercialization of promising Filipino technologies.

3. Participating in future international exhibitions and contests to maintain global visibility and attract further interest in Filipino innovation.

Through these accomplishments in CES 2025 and implementing these strategic initiatives, the Philippines can solidify its position to be one of the global innovation leaders, driving economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

** This article is part of the "PhilippiNOW: Philippines’ New Opportunities, Worldwide" campaign for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email them at ccu@tapi.dost.gov.ph **