DLSU Laguna Campus Signs MOU with AstraZeneca and D.M. Consunji, Inc., advancing KIST Ecozone

 DLSU Laguna Campus Signs MOU with AstraZeneca and D.M. Consunji, Inc., advancing KIST Ecozone   

By Emmanuelle Biglete and Halyn Lunel Gamboa

Following its declaration as a Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Ecozone under Presidential Proclamation No. 985, issue on July 2025, the De La Salle University Laguna Campus continues to strengthen its position as a premier innovation hub through the continued support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). DOST provides technical and STI policy guidance to support innovation activities and prospective locators within the DLSU KIST Park, while PEZA facilitates investment promotion and ecozone registration processes to help attract and onboard qualified locators.

As part of the initial onboarding of prospective locators within the DLSU KIST Park, the university formalized strategic partnerships through the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOU) with global pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and engineering and infrastructure conglomerate D.M. Consunji, Inc. on May 7, 2026 at the Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall, DLSU Laguna Campus. The DLSU KIST Park specializes in Advanced Biotech Systems as its niche area.

The partnerships aim to strengthen collaboration in research and development, innovation initiatives, curriculum enhancement, business operations, and talent development—reinforcing industry-academe-government collaboration in advancing science, technology, and innovation-driven economic development.

The MOU also signifies the initial step toward potential locator registration within the DLSU KIST Park. Pursuant to the KIST Ecozone framework, prospective locator applications will undergo DOST evaluation to ensure alignment to STI priorities and endorsement as part of the requirements for PEZA registration.

Although unable to physically attend the signing ceremony, DOST leadership extended their support and shared their perspectives on the newly concluded partnership.

Commending the milestone, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. stated, “The partnership with AstraZeneca and D.M. Consunji, Inc. is an important step in strengthening the KIST Park as a venue where research, industry, and talent development converge.” 

He further emphasized that this collaboration “shows how academic institutions can help move innovations closer to real-world application” and aligns with the Second Horizon of DOST’s Three-Horizon Strategy focused on “scaling up innovations, strengthening industry linkages, and enabling technologies to generate greater economic and societal impact”.

Expressing his support, DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized the broader impact of this ecosystem: “It reflects the growing role of the KIST Park as a space where research and industry can work more closely together. This is how innovations move beyond the laboratory and start creating real impact.”

He also noted the importance of regional growth, stating that “KIST Parks like the one in DLSU also help bring development closer to the regions by attracting investment, creating jobs, and opening opportunities for local talent to be part of high-value industries.”