Driving Innovation in the Visayas: Meet the Partners of Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference 2025 Iloilo Forum

As the very first regional implementation of the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) in Iloilo this September 12, 2025 approaches, we’re excited to officially introduce the incredible partners who are joining us in co-creating the HIC 2025 Iloilo Forum.

With the theme “Knowledge Manufacturing the Intersection of Research Horizons in the Visayas,” this forum is more than a conference—it’s a collaborative platform designed to foster bold ideas, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovation that responds to regional challenges.

We believe that partnerships are the backbone of meaningful progress. That’s why we’ve brought together an ecosystem of forward-thinking organizations committed to building a better, research-driven future for the Visayas.

Session Partners

Together with us, our industry partners have shown full support as we curate and deliver discussions that explore solutions to pressing sustainability challenges. By sharing their expertise and experiences, they bring invaluable insight and depth to the forum—enriching the dialogue, inspiring innovation, and driving greater value for all participants.

Panel Session 1: 

Harnessing Thermal Innovations for Sustainable Aquaculture Solutions

Know more about the Panel Session 1 here: https://hic.lne.st/HICILO-AlternoSession

 

Alterno Pte., Ltd. Alternō is revolutionizing renewable energy (emphasis on energy and not electricity) storage with its pioneering sand battery technology, designed to deliver sustainable heat across agriculture, industry, and residential sectors. By harnessing the thermal potential of sand,  Alternō’s technology provides a scalable, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, and enables cost savings, carbon reduction, and a practical path to zero emissions. Beyond technology, the company embraces ESG responsibility, advancing circular economy practices, minimizing waste, and enriching local communities. At Alternō, sand batteries are more than innovation—they are the cornerstone of a cleaner, resilient, and sustainable energy future.

 

Panel Session 2: 

Beyond Plastics: Advancing Biodegradable Solutions for the Coffee and Food Industries

Know more about the Panel Session 2 here: https://hic.lne.st/HICILO-ADASession 

ADA Biotech Sdn., Bhd. Ada Biotech is a sustainability-driven innovation company committed to transforming everyday living through green biotechnology into high-quality, biodegradable products—like our premium rice straws and eco-friendly cat litter. With in-house research and development, we design and manufacture biodegradable products using agricultural and industrial waste—championing a circular economy for a cleaner, more sustainable future. We design with intention, manufacture with impact, and stand at the intersection of science, style, and sustainability. To change lifestyles and reduce environmental impact—one product at a time.

 

Ignition Session Partner

Partnering with us in pushing forward collaboration among participants is the Central Philippine University (CPU) represented by its technology business incubator – CPUGAD TBI, and RenDewTech, a food and agri-aqua company. The ignition session is a workshop-type session where participants from different institutions unite together to develop solutions for a given theme.

Central Philippine University–CPUGAD TBI

RenDewTech RenDewTech was founded 20 years ago by CEO Renjo B. Debil as a pioneer in water filtration solutions, building systems for water refilling stations, factories, hotels, and restaurants. Over the years, the company has expanded to deliver integrated products and services in laundry machines, ice machines, and solar energy setups. Today, RenDewTech is pushing innovation further by collaborating with a CPUGAD startup HEX  to develop smart technologies for its own fishpond and a small tropical strawberry garden. This initiative seeks to inspire other farmers to embrace smart agri-aqua solutions, aligning sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship in the Philippine countryside.

 

Strategic Partner

Paul Kaldi Coffee Founded in April 2024 in Iloilo, Paul Kaldi Coffee is a social enterprise that blends quality, innovation, and purpose. Guided by the mission “Local farmers at our core, your taste at our heart,” Paul Kaldi partners directly with farmers to ensure fair trade and sustainability while offering freshly roasted beans, handcrafted beverages, and unique coffee experiences. From campus cafés and pop-ups to specialty concepts, Paul Kaldi has quickly become a hub for community, culture, and collaboration. More than coffee, it is a movement that supports livelihoods, uplifts local farmers, and inspires a new generation of socially responsible consumers.

 

Co-Organizer

HIC 2025 Iloilo Forum is led by Leave a Nest Philippines with strong support from Iloilo Science and Technology University, represented by university’s Kwadra TBI as co-organizers. The university will host the event, providing a venue that encourages its vibrant community to participate, present their research, and engage in meaningful discussions across various disciplines.

Know more about our co-organizer here: https://hic.lne.st/HICILO-CoOrganizer 

Iloilo Science and Technology University-Kwadra TBI

 

Building Knowledge, Collaboration, and Innovation

The HIC 2025 Iloilo Forum is a collaborative platform that bridges academia, industry, government, and communities. Through its esteemed partners, the forum highlights the importance of knowledge manufacturing and interdisciplinary collaboration to co-create sustainable solutions for the Visayas and beyond.

For more information about HIC 2025 Iloilo Forum, please visit the page below:
https://hic.lne.st/HIC2025_IloiloForum

If you are interested to join as an attendee (free of charge for those affiliated with academia, government institutions, and university-based startups), you can do so by registering via the link below:

https://hic.lne.st/HIC2025ILO_Attendee 

Or, scan the QR code below:

*registering requires the creation of a Leave a Nest ID – after creating one, please access the same link again