In Faura Hall’s second floor is a modestly-sized room where the future Einsteins and Edisons of our age brainstorm for the next great invention.
With a mini-library filled with books urging people to think differently—The Outliers, Inventors’ Dilemma, Wikinomics—this room is the headquarters of the newly-established Ateneo Innovation Center, home to the projects of mastermind and director Gregory Tangonan, Ph.D. Here, students and researches sprout ideas and innovations, which, however far-fetched they may seem, might just change the way we live.
Oilgae
The Innovation
Extraction of biofuel from algae
The Innovators
Lea Macaraig, (MS ECE) and Teresita Perez, Ph.D., Environmental Science Professor
The Purpose
The slimy green things along the shores of beaches may be the next valuable source of biofuel. Oil from algae, when harnessed properly, can serve as an alternative to fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions.
What’s more, researchers use algae species that can only be found in the Philippines, pushing the country ahead of other countries in pioneering ‘oilgae.’ “Whether our experiments succeed or fail, we see them as an improvement because we learn from them,” says co-researcher Gilbert Peren.
In excess of texting
The Innovation
Monitoring of text messages carried by networks
The Innovator
Daryl Aaron Gaerlan (BS ECE ’08) and other SOSE students
The Purpose
Text messages are sent in high concentrations especially during the holidays. But some SMS messages, while not received by the other end, are sometimes still charged.
Surprisingly, the mobile networks may be at fault. “Ninety percent of their business is SMS,” says Tangonan. “Networks [run] at 90% of the capacity almost all the time.”
The AIC is also the first to conduct research on the quality of SMS service. “We are like watchdogs. At least for consumers, somebody is on their side.”
From thin air to pure water
The Innovation
Condensing water vapor with solar panels
The Innovator
Paul Cabacungan, MS (ECE)
The Purpose
Paul Cabacungan has found a simple way of condensing air into potable water, using old parts from cars and refrigerators and solar panels to harness light energy. “A small 400-watt humidifier can produce 18.3 liters per day,” he says.
With the demand for clean water still on the rise, this system can be used for high-end resorts and embassies and during natural calamities.
A first of its kind, it’s not surprising when Paul says, “When you search in Google, you won’t find this kind of innovation in the search results.”
Sun, wind, and energy
The Innovation
Hybrid solar and wind systems for agriculture
The Innovators
SOSE undergraduate students
The Purpose
In a future with depleted fossil fuel, sun and wind energy are examples of reliable alternatives. On the CTC roof deck is a system of hybrid wind turbines and solar panels, a far more efficient source of electricity that can harness energy on sunny or windy days, or when both sources of energy are available.
Tangonan says rural communities will benefit from the innovation the most. He says, “If we give them the tools, they’ll come up with all kinds of innovations. That’s the kind of attitude we should have.”
