CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines — The much-anticipated Industry-Academe Congress on Technologies for Smart City (i-ACT4SmartCity) 2024 opened Tuesday at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON).
The event brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government in the Cagayan Valley Region to discuss ways to accelerate the development and integration of smart city technologies. The goal is to create more sustainable, resilient, and innovative urban communities.
i-ACT4SmartCity is a platform for fostering stronger industry-academe connections, addressing skill gaps, and nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets. Attendees will discuss how academic research can be transformed into impactful innovations and successful entrepreneurial ventures.
The congress’ objectives include building strong industry connections by encouraging partnerships between academia and industry; identifying and addressing skill gaps to bridge the divide between workforce competencies and industry needs; developing entrepreneurial skill sets by equipping individuals with the mindset and tools necessary to thrive in an evolving market; and promoting research for innovation, with an emphasis on transforming academic research into viable entrepreneurial ventures.
The congress highlights three core themes: fostering industry-academe connections, supporting the development of an innovative and startup-driven ecosystem in the Cagayan Valley Region, and turning insights into impact by transforming research into real-world applications.
Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Region 02, delivered a message of support and inspiration to the attendees.
“Let us be inspired to break down silos, share knowledge, and leverage our collective expertise,” she said. “Together, we can innovate and implement solutions that truly enhance the quality of life in our cities. Let us commit to fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity, and action.”
The i-ACT4SmartCity 2024 Congress is a vital step forward for the Cagayan Valley Region as it aims to create a thriving ecosystem where innovation, research, and entrepreneurship work hand in hand to build a smarter, more sustainable future for all.
