Team PakUAn from University of Antique won the DELIGHTEX Award as one of the top technology pitches with their WamPow or Watermelon Powders that aims to Utilize Watermelon waste as a preservative for food products, during the 1st Visayas TechPlanter by Leave a Nest Philippines at Iloilo Convention Center, August 10, 2024.

Nine (9) finalists from 25 applicants pitched their technology, which featured innovative and science-driven solutions to various pressing societal challenges, to five international and five local judges; Ms. Danica Marie B. Aposaga, Project Leader, pitched the WamPow technology during the program which was also attended by researchers, students, CEOs, Regional scholars, representatives from Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and other partner agencies.

According to Ms. Aposaga, the introduction of WamPow through the TechPlanter aids in informing and inviting both international and local partners.

The WamPow is a technology that UA researchers developed wherein watermelon wastes in the Province of Antique are converted into a food additive and food preservative to augment the absence of natural preservatives in the market.

Also representing the academe during the activity are the members of Team PakUAn: Asst. Prof. Jessebel V. Gadot, and Ms. Jemaica S. Labus.