By Mirielle Vacal
The Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) successfully concluded the Mindanao Cluster Leg of the 2025 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits by Cluster (ClusteRICE), held from October 07 to 08, 2025, at the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus.
The two-day event gathered Mindanao’s brightest inventors, researchers, and student innovators to showcase their groundbreaking projects and technologies. Through ClusteRICE, DOST-TAPI continues to provide a platform for local innovators to promote their creations, with the winning entries earning a spot at the upcoming 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE).
Mindanao’s Official NICE 2026 Qualifiers
DOST-TAPI announced the following winners who will represent the Mindanao Cluster in the 2026 NICE:
| Entry Title | Category |
| Mechanical Coconut Climber | Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention |
| A Device for Car Charging and Battery Monitoring System | Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model |
| Zappify: IoT-Based Insect Pests Management System for Rice Fields | Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research (Government-Funded) |
| Fecal Smear Kit Pack | Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research (Private-Funded) |
| Automatic Rice Seed Varietal Purity Testing Machine Using Artificial Intelligence and Automation | Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (College Category) |
| Hibiscus sabdariffa: A Biochemical Activity Probing of Ethnopharmaceutical Potential Thru Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis, BALB/C Swiss Albino Mice Hypoglycemic Evaluation, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and BSLA Cytotoxic Evaluation | Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (High School Category) |
These innovators will advance to the NICE 2026, where regional champions from across the country will compete for national recognition. Winners at the national level may also gain access to DOST-TAPI’s support programs, including product development funding, commercialization assistance, and intellectual property (IP) protection.
DOST-TAPI also extended its gratitude to the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus for co-organizing and hosting the event, as well as to all participants for their dedication to research and innovation.
From ClusteRICE 2025 to NICE 2026
Following the Mindanao leg, ClusteRICE 2025 will conclude with the North Luzon Cluster on October 14–15, 2025, completing this year’s series of regional competitions.
