May 29, 2017, Laguna, Philippines — Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), one of the leading global manufacturing solutions experts, is collaborating with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program in awarding its newest grant mechanism—the Academic Grants for Industry-Led Applications or AGILA, to deserving colleges and universities.

The ceremonial launch of the AGILA program and the formal awarding of grants took place last May 24, 2017 at New World Makati Hotel.

During the launch, Arthur Tan, chief executive officer of IMI was recognized by USAID for supporting and taking part in this industry-academe collaboration. Speaking in front of the crowd, Mr. Tan said that “Innovation should be at the heart of what we all do, and will eventually be crucial in addressing the gaps between academe and industry.”

Dr. David Hall, chief of party of the STRIDE Program and Brian Levey, director from the Office of Education USAID Philippines, and IMI’s Arthur Tan awarded the grants to the following grantees who will be working closely with IMI on their projects:

• Dr. Gil Nonato Santos and team, from De La Salle University Manila Project: An electronic sensing device that can quickly detect lung diseases without the use of expensive medical tests and equipment (IMI Project Lead: Joey Garfin)

• Dr. Romeric Pobre and team, from De La Salle University Manila Project: A device that can be used as a minimally-invasive therapy for muscular problems (IMI Project Lead: Oliver Ortega)

Technical advisers also include engineering division heads, Dominador Leonida and Rafael “Chicho” Mantaring of IMI. The program will run for twelve months.

Present during the event were Mirshariff Tillah, senior advisor, USAID Office of Education, Dr. Richard Abendan, Research and Industry Partnerships manager, STRIDE Program / RTI International and several representatives of various universities handling external linkages and technology transfer offices. STRIDE is USAID/Philippines’ flagship science, technology and innovation program that aims to strengthen local capacity for innovation-led economic growth by building the capacity of universities for industry-relevant applied research. The program will make science and technology research a driving force of economic growth in the Philippines.

It is a five-year, PhP1.5 billion project under the Partnership for Growth (PFG) agreement between the U.S. and the Philippine governments. The Philippines is one of the four countries selected for the PFG, with the ultimate goal of accelerating broad-based, inclusive growth.