Microsoft Corp. has opened a software research and development hub at the University of the Philippines as part of efforts to propel the local software economy.

In a statement, the software giant said the newly-opened Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) is a facility for academe and industry collaboration on innovative research on technology and software solutions.

After launching the first MIC in 2006, Microsoft is establishing the new center located in the UP Diliman campus.

"We’ve always believed in the capability of Filipinos to compete with developers from around the world and through the Microsoft Innovation Center, we hope to give our student developers an early start," said Rafael Rollan, managing director, Microsoft Philippines. Rollan said the MIC demonstrates the significance of collaborative efforts between the private sector and academe in promoting growth and innovation in the software industry.

"At this moment, the industry is being challenged to remain competitive in spite of economic uncertainties. To achieve this, our developers must continue to be innovative and driven to produce quality solutions that address the needs of companies today," he said.

The MIC will also serve as a launching pad for more Microsoft initiatives that promote growth in the industry and open up new opportunities for individuals and Filipino businesses. Examples are DreamSpark and BizSpark, which provides students and SMEs free Microsoft software to help jumpstart careers and businesses. Tim Vergel De Dios, Microsoft Philippines academic developer evangelist added that "this is where tomorrow’s developers are being trained so they may reach their full potential as IT professionals."

"Through the Microsoft Innovation Center, relevant business and industry software solutions are being developed by individuals even if they are still in school," De Dios said.

According to the executive, aside from having access to the latest tools utilized in the industry, students can also take advantage of the technopreneurship training and incubation programs to be offered at the MIC.

For the top state university, the MIC is a welcome development. "The University of the Philippines is proud and honored to host a Microsoft Innovation Center in the Diliman campus. This partnership with Microsoft provides students additional learning opportunities that allow them to contribute creatively to the software industry," said Dr. Sergio Cao, chancellor, University of the Philippines – Diliman.