21 March LONDON — Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Lagdameo and 15 Filipino innovators discussed the innovation and research landscape in the Philippines and how innovation and entrepreneurship contribute to nation-building during a reception hosted by the ambassador at the Philippine Embassy in London on March 14.

The delegation of Filipino innovators is the third batch be invited and sponsored by the Newton Agham Program for the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) program in London from March 06 to 17. They joined other innovators from other LIF partner countries including China and India, among others.

The visiting Filipino innovators include Ma. Carmen Ablan Lagman, Mary Donnabelle Balela, DJ Darwin Bandoy, Glenn Navarra Baticados, Nilo Bugtai, Drexel Camacho, Clarissa Yvonne Domingo, Hidelisa Hernandez, Prospero Naval Jr, Jonathan Nayga, Arturo Ongkeko Jr, Edgar Orden, Chelo Pascua, Janice Ragaza, and Rosula Reyes. They were joined at the reception by Mahmoda Ali of the Royal Academy of Engineering as well as innovation mentors Harveen Chugh and Huw Edwards.

The Leaders in Innovation Fellowship is a residential training program in innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. It is offered to the best innovators and researchers who are selected on the basis of the excellence of their research, the potential of their innovation and their potential as entrepreneurs.

The fellowship culminates with a ‘pitch day’ where participants present their individual projects through the business plans that they have developed during their training sessions.

The Newton Agham Program is an integral component of the UK British Council’s Newton Fund. This initiative aims to develop international science and innovation partnerships that promote the economic development and welfare of emerging powers such as the Philippines. END