Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia (3rd from right) leads the opening of the Advanced Science, Technology, and Innovation Convention (ASTICON) 2025 on August 5, 2025, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City. Joining her are (left to right) DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., PhD; DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute Director Franz A. de Leon, PhD; and ASTICON 2025 Event Chairperson Alvin E. Retamar. (Photo by Patrick Lee James C. Alfonso, DOST-STII)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI) officially launches on August 5, 2025, the 2nd Advanced Science, Technology, and Innovation Convention (ASTICON), at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City. This year’s convention carries the theme “Preparing Tomorrow, Today,” highlighting DOST-ASTI’s mission to develop technologies that shape a future-ready Philippines.

“This year’s theme, 'Preparing Tomorrow, Today,' is a timely reminder that the future is built by the actions we take now—especially those grounded in science and driven by progress,” said DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia.

Building on the success of its inaugural run, ASTICON 2025 will serve as a national platform to showcase DOST-ASTI’s innovations, collaborations, and vision—with a strong emphasis on aligning research with real-world impact and national development goals.

Usec. Buendia also said that the Institute ensures that cutting-edge technologies serve local realities and create an inclusive impact by building science, technology, and innovation tailored to the Filipino context and scalable for broader applications.

“This commitment is embodied in DOST-ASTI’s four new strategic programs—ACCORD, ASCENT, CONNECT, and THRIVE—which we will learn more about today. These programs are designed to scale up our capabilities and push the boundaries of what is possible,” she added.

The official launch of the four new flagship strategic programs mentioned by Usec. Buendia is the major highlight of this year’s event, each representing the institute’s core thematic pillars:

• AI-Centered Computation, Optimization, and Responsible Research Development (ACCORD) – This program promises to be a driving force in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for the Philippines. By championing responsible research, developing AI solutions that directly address national priorities, and investing in workforce development, ACCORD strengthens the country’s position in the global AI landscape.
• Advancement of Autonomous Systems, Wireless Connectivity, and Embedded Electronics for National Transformation (ASCENT) – This is DOST-ASTI’s definitive program for state-of-the-art autonomous systems, IoTs and wireless communication. It shall deliver holistic solutions that include, as appropriate, the requisite hardware, software subsystems, communication gateways, infrastructure for data aggregation and visualization, security, AI/data analytics platform, training, and technical support.
• Collaborative Open Network Infrastructure for Emerging Technologies, Computing, and Connectivity (CONNECT) – This program further strengthens DOST-ASTI’s mandate in establishing science and technology infrastructures that enable the achievement of SDG 9.5 goals to enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encourage innovation by capacitating researchers.
• Transforming High-Impact Research into Viable Everyday Solutions (THRIVE) – This is a program designed to bridge the gap between breakthrough research and real-world application. THRIVE is founded on the belief that impactful research should not remain confined to academic journals or research institutions. Instead, it should be actively translated into products, services, and policies that address everyday challenges aligned with DOST-ASTI's mission.

“We live in an age where the boundaries of what’s possible are constantly being redrawn. But if you’re asking yourself where to find the next big thing in science and technology innovation, you do not need to look far. Just look at us—look at DOST. Because fantastic technologies—they live here,” said DOST-ASTI Director Franz A. De Leon, in his keynote message.

Beyond institutional strategy

For his part, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. congratulates DOST-ASTI led by Dr. De Leon for going beyond institutional strategy.

“DOST-ASTI's initiatives go beyond institutional strategy—they represent a coordinated national response to the challenges and opportunities of our time. It is the Department of Science and Technology’s goal to provide solutions and open opportunities for every Filipino. We believe that Science, Technology, and Innovation must be the backbone of our country’s development strategy,” he said.

He also enumerated the numerous initiatives by the Institute such as the Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System (SARwAIS) Project enhancing capacity for disaster risk management, environmental monitoring, and maritime surveillance, and the iTANONG web application enabling natural language interaction with databases in English, Tagalog, and Taglish—making government information more understandable and accessible to everyday users, among others.

“These initiatives exemplify DOST-ASTI’s enduring role as a national incubator—building the technological backbone, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems needed to elevate the country’s R&D landscape and empower Filipinos across sectors,” he added.

The convention gathered over 200 participants from across the country, including industry leaders, government officials, researchers, and innovators.

Exhibits featured emerging technologies and services from DOST-ASTI, alongside booths from Murata Electronics, Thinking Machines, and Amazon Web Services.

Plenary talks and panel discussions were headlined by experts from Microsoft Philippines, Twala, IONICS, and other industry thought leaders, tackling topics around artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data infrastructure, and national S&T priorities.

Attendees and exhibitors alike enjoyed an immersive experience at ASTICon 2025. From showcasing cutting-edge technologies at complimentary exhibit booths to connecting with key decision-makers across government, academia, and industry, the event served as another hub for science and technology innovation and collaboration.

Participants gained fresh insights and firsthand knowledge through expert-led plenary talks and panel discussions. At the same time, featured innovations and partners received broad media exposure across DOST-ASTI and ASTICon channels, substantially amplifying their reach and impact in the landscape of national science and technology.

ASTICON 2025 reaffirmed DOST-ASTI's role in advancing digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies that address real-world challenges and fuel inclusive growth. It is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.asti.dost.gov.ph.

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