The Davao Inventions and Innovations Expo (DIIE) 2026 will make its debut as the region's first innovation and business platform, bringing together 54 exhibitors from across the country. The event aims to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem through collaboration among government, academe, industry, and the private sector.
Event Details
Scheduled from June 19 to 21, 2026 at Abreeza Ayala Mall, the three-day expo will showcase locally developed inventions, emerging technologies, and research-based solutions. The focus is on linking innovation with entrepreneurship, funding access, and commercialization opportunities.
Organizers have planned exhibits, networking activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions centered on startup development, business scaling, and access to financing. A session on government grants and public funding pathways will guide inventors and entrepreneurs on available support mechanisms for product development and enterprise growth.
Supporting Local Innovators
DIIE chairperson Julieto C. Mejos emphasized that the expo aims to discover and support local innovators by connecting them with institutions and industry partners. He noted that many inventors remain unrecognized despite offering solutions to community needs.
“There are lots of inventors in the street, undiscovered and unrecognized, that our group would want to harness and polish so they can contribute to the welfare of our citizens,” Mejos said during the Wednesdays Media Forum on June 17 at Abreeza Corporate Center.
Mejos highlighted agricultural innovations addressing high fertilizer costs and post-harvest losses, noting that several technologies to be showcased have remained unreleased for years.
Institutional Support
Former Davao Inventors Association president Virgilio M. Sangutan stressed that innovation must be supported by stronger institutional systems to drive both economic growth and community development.
“Inventions and innovations build a strong nation not only in the development of the community but also for the economic development,” Sangutan said.
He cited City Ordinance No. 0546-21, which established the Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center (DCIIC). This city-backed mechanism provides financial access, technical assistance, and intellectual property protection for local innovators. Sangutan said the center strengthens the city’s innovation pipeline by improving pathways from development to commercialization.
Mejos also acknowledged support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), noting that its facilities are now more accessible to local innovators.
“It helps a lot because right now, they are opening the facilities for us to utilize,” he said.
Public Invitation
Organizers invited students, entrepreneurs, and the public to attend the three-day event and engage with locally developed technologies.
“There are lots of things to be seen and observed for you guys to be inspired to be part of us,” Mejos said.
The expo is co-presented by the Davao City Inventions and Innovations Council. FRANCES KIM CATCHILA, ADDU, SUNSTAR INTERN
