Award-Winning Filipino Inventor Mark Kennedy Bantugon Eyes Young Inventors Prize in Europe

Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a trailblazing Filipino inventor from Batangas and a distinguished program proponent of the DOST-TAPI, is poised to make history as he competes among the world’s best and brightest young minds in the European Patent Office (EPO) “Tomorrow’s Shape: Young Inventors Prize 2025”. He is one of the ten exceptionally-talented individuals vying for the top honors, and the Philippines has a unique opportunity to advance him to victory through a global public vote. 

From harnessing the potential of a pili tree to develop a sustainable adhesive for the aviation industry, Engr. Bantugon, through his “Pili Adheseal” innovation, has been consistently elevating the profile of Filipino innovation on the global stage. His remarkable work has earned him the 2021 James Dyson Award and the distinction of being the first Filipino recipient of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) National Award for Inventor, the highest recognition given by the esteemed WIPO in Geneva, Switzerland.

Engr. Bantugon’s journey shows the power of Filipino ingenuity, significantly bolstered by the support of DOST-TAPI. He has been a successful program proponent of DOST-TAPI, from competing in the National Invention Contest and Exhibits 2022 to the Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits (SPICE), achieving victories including awards at the 49th International Exhibition of Invention Geneva (IEIG) wherein he was given a bronze award, and landed gold at the 2024 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF). Furthermore, his participation in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 generated buzz, showcasing his innovative solutions to a global audience. 

His product, Pili Adheseal, demonstrated immense market potential. It has promising bulk order opportunities, including 120,000 units in 2025 and 100,000 units in 2026 from CATL SG, LG (a secondary battery innovation company), South Korea, and Aptera Motors, an electric vehicle company in California. Both companies have also expressed interest in licensing the product. Additionally, Metal Roof BV Canada has placed an order for 10,000 units for metal sheet applications. These investments are valued at least $1.38 million (at $6 per product).

In 2025, Engr. Bantugon’s Pili Adheseal is once again in the international spotlight, recognized by the European Patent Office as a game-changer, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs). The EPO’s Young Inventors Prize celebrates individuals under thirty (30) whose inventions offer transformative solutions for a more sustainable future. 

During the awards ceremony, the EPO will pay tribute and award the ten inventors of Tomorrow’s Shape, with three special prizes to be presented by World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. The public’s choice award, determined by an online vote, offers a chance for supporters worldwide to directly influence the outcome. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be revealed during the official ceremony in Reykjavik, Iceland.

We are calling on all Filipinos and supporters of sustainable innovation worldwide to unite and cast their votes for Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon. Your vote is crucial in helping him secure the People’s Choice award and bring this historic recognition home to the Philippines.

Visit the official EPO Young Inventors Prize voting portal: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize?size=n_15_n

Keep an eye on the official EPO social media channels for voting announcements:
EPO’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/europeanpatentoffice

Help us make noise for Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon and showcase the Philippines’ innovative spirit.  Share his story, spread the word, and let’s help him to victory!