Filipino Inventors' Tech Introduces Smarter Ways to Harvest Salt

Manila, Philippines – A homegrown innovation designed to transform salt farming is set to make waves in the industry as Filipino inventors showcase their Three-in-One Mobile Salt Crusher, Washer, and Harvester Equipment at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) this upcoming April 09 to 13, 2025. This technology significantly reduces processing time, increases efficiency, and enhances salt purity, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for salt producers worldwide.

Developed by a team of researchers from the Department of Science and Technology, the Three-in-One Salt Harvester mechanizes the crushing, washing, and harvesting process, specifically designed for the Deep Saltern Crystallizer (DSC) method. By reducing harvesting time by 50%, it enables faster turnaround and enhances the quality of salt production.

Field tests conducted in 2021 in Occidental Mindoro, a province in the Philippines, proved the technology’s ability to reduce the salt harvesting cycle from months to just 10–15 days while minimizing impurities. By eliminating labor-intensive manual processing, the harvester has streamlined production, reduced costs, and increased profitability for salt farmers. By eliminating labor-intensive manual processing, the harvester has streamlined production, reduced costs, and increased profitability for salt farmers.

Local salt producers from the Philippines, such as JALD Industries Corporation, have successfully integrated the technology into their operations, reporting a significant boost in efficiency and output. The harvester’s ability to function even during the rainy season has further ensured year-round production, stabilizing supply chains and increasing resilience against climate fluctuations.

Beyond its economic impact, the technology aligns with global sustainability efforts, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) by reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource management, and strengthening food security.

With rising demand for efficient and sustainable salt harvesting, the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the Philippines’ leading agency for applied research, technology innovation, and industrial process development, is seeking international partners, investors, and manufacturers to scale up production and expand the technology’s adoption worldwide. Through technology investment forums, industry exhibits, and international partnerships, the agency is positioning the invention as a globally-viable solution for salt-producing nations.

“Our vision is to see this innovation adopted beyond the Philippines. At IEIG Geneva, we aim to connect with investors, technology partners, and industry leaders who can help us scale up and commercialize this solution on a global level,” Mr. Oliver Evangelista, one of the inventors of the technology, shared.

Recognized as one of the most impactful homegrown technologies in the Philippines, the Three-in-One Salt Harvester won First Prize in the Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research – Government-Funded Category at the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) 2024 organized by Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

The DOST-TAPI, the technology marketing, promotion, and commercialization arm of DOST, will support the global launch of the technology at IEIG Geneva through its Science and Technology Promotion for International Contests and Exhibits (SPICE) Program.

“For investors looking to support high-impact innovations, this is an opportunity to back a Filipino-made technology with global potential,” Mr. Evangelista emphasized. “Investing in sustainable solutions like this doesn’t just drive profit—it creates lasting change in industries and communities worldwide,” he added.

With this breakthrough, the Philippines strengthens its position as a global leader in smart agricultural and industrial innovations, proving that homegrown ingenuity can redefine industries and empower economies worldwide.