i-ACT4SmartCity 2024 Kicks off in Cauayan City Driving Innovation and Building Smart Communities

THE much-anticipated Industry Academe Congress on Technologies for Smart City (i-ACT4SmartCity) 2024 officially opened yesterday at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON) in Cauayan City. The event brought together key leaders from the academe, industry, and government sectors across the Cagayan Valley Region, united by a common goal: to accelerate the development and integration of Smart City technologies. This collaborative effort seeks to pave the way for more sustainable, resilient, and innovative urban communities, with Cauayan City at the forefront of this transformative vision.

i-ACT4SmartCity is a key platform for driving the region’s innovation agenda, aimed at fostering stronger industry-academe connections, addressing skill gaps, and nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss how academic research can be transformed into impactful innovations and successful entrepreneurial ventures.

The objectives of the i-ACT4SmartCity Congress center on building strong industry connections by encouraging partnerships between the academic community and industry players while also identifying and addressing skill gaps to bridge the divide between workforce competencies and industry needs. Additionally, the congress aims to develop entrepreneurial skill sets by equipping individuals with the mindset and tools necessary to thrive in an evolving market. Another key focus is promoting research for innovation, with an emphasis on transforming academic research into viable entrepreneurial ventures.

The congress highlights three core themes: fostering Industry-Academe Connect to strengthen ties between educational institutions and businesses; 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 that have the potential to transform industries and communities.

Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST R02 and one of the preliminary speakers at the event, 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. The challenges ahead may be daunting, but 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,”

Dr. Bilgera as she emphasized the importance of collaboration beyond technology.

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.