Co-Lab at the Tech Planter Visayas
Co-Lab Life Sciences announces that two of its student-led research teams, ThermoZyme and EKS-CACAO, have been named finalists in the Visayas Tech Planter 2025, a regional deep tech incubation and acceleration platform organized by Leave a Nest.
The Visayas Tech Planter is part of Leave a Nest’s broader initiative to identify and nurture early-stage science and technology projects across Asia. The program provides a venue for student and faculty researchers to pitch practical, science-based solutions to industry representatives, investors, and academic partners.
ThermoZyme, advised by Dr. Joval Martinez, RMicro (President & CEO, Co-Lab Life Sciences), focuses on the application of thermophilic microorganisms to increase sugarcane yield and sugar concentration while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The project aims to offer a sustainable approach to improving agricultural productivity in tropical climates.
EKS-CACAO, under the mentorship of Kyle Patrick Taruc, MSc (Vice President & CMO, Co-Lab Life Sciences), is developing natural microbial treatments for managing black pod rot in cacao, a disease that continues to affect cacao farmers across the Philippines. The team’s work seeks to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides while maintaining crop health and yield.
As part of the program, Charles Justin R. Gan, Research and Marketing Assistant at Co-Lab Life Sciences, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of cultivating a deep tech ecosystem in the Visayas. In his remarks, he emphasized the need for accessible infrastructure, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities to enable regional researchers and students to contribute meaningfully to scientific and technological advancement.
