INTEC researchers and companies analyze areas of collaboration to promote innovation and applied science
The Area of Basic and Environmental Sciences of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) held its first workshop aimed at companies
SANTO DOMINGO. –The Area of Basic and Environmental Sciences of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) held its first workshop aimed at companies with the aim of continuing to strengthen the university-business relationship to solve specific problems in the productive sector and promote innovation in the Dominican Republic.
This meeting marked a milestone by bringing together experts, companies and academics to share joint experiences in research projects and identify new opportunities for cooperation in line with the principles of “learning by doing” that characterize the institution.
The event began with the presentation of the Environmental Management Centre (CEGA), led by Solé Knipping, who highlighted initiatives in sustainability and environmental management projects at a national level and spoke about the importance of calculating environmental footprints as a key tool for business sustainability.
During the panel “Experiences and perspectives on R&D from INTEC’s graduate programs in Environmental Sciences, Energy Efficiency and Mathematics”, moderated by research professor Ulises Jáuregui, professors Lizaira Bello, María Penkova and Iosvani López presented the graduate programs in the area of Basic and Environmental Sciences, including master’s degrees and doctorates in Energy Efficiency, Environmental Sciences and Mathematics, which are designed to address business challenges through solutions based on research and technical knowledge.
During their presentations, the professors highlighted the participation of companies such as Barrick Gold, SID Group, central bank and Ministry of Energy and Mines in research projects related to master's and doctoral degrees. They also emphasized the importance of linking with INTEC as a strategic ally in innovation and business development.
In a second panel, “Experiences in R&D projects with companies,” moderated by professor Yaset Rodríguez, business representatives shared their experiences of working together with INTEC. Marisol Pages, from GreenCell, spoke about the development of a bioreactor for the production of plant cells and a database focused on the botanical biodiversity of the Dominican Republic. For his part, Peter Sommer, from GIZ and coordinator of the Circular Caribbean Project, presented the results achieved with this initiative, and highlighted the role of the incorporation of INTEC in it, to promote the implementation of circular economy principles in national companies.
Summer highlighted how the Circular Caribbean Project has promoted the creation of the Bioplastics and Biomaterials Innovation Unit, positioning it as a regional benchmark in the management of agro-industrial waste and the development of alternative materials to conventional plastics.
The event closed with a presentation by INTEC's Research Director, Charles Sanley, who presented the advances in research at the university and the opportunities that the institution offers for business cooperation in various productive sectors. In addition, Kenya Bison, Marketing Director, highlighted the postgraduate programs designed to train business human resources.
The dean of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Luis Enrique Rodríguez de Francisco, offered a few words of thanks, highlighting the importance of the synergy between business and university to promote innovation, improve the efficiency of the country's production systems, and position Dominican companies as international leaders.
This workshop reaffirms INTEC's commitment to sustainable development, technological innovation and education as fundamental pillars for strengthening business competitiveness in the Dominican Republic.