Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz is an internationally recognised food innovation scientist, commercialization expert, and academic leader from the Philippines. She has dedicated her career to transforming agricultural research into commercially successful functional food products that create economic opportunities while addressing food security, nutrition, and sustainable development.

As the Board Advisor for Global Pre-Commercialization & Commercialization at PWD Smart FarmAbility Sdn. Bhd., she provides strategic leadership in translating innovative research into market-ready products, with particular emphasis on value-added protein innovations under the Soil-U-tion™ Regenerative Ecosystem.

Academic Excellence

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hotel Management from Bircham International University, Madrid, Spain, where her research focused on:

“Challenges and Opportunities of Hotel Management Companies in Various Spheres of Influence as Affected by the ASEAN Integration Framework.”

Her interdisciplinary academic background combines hospitality management, agribusiness, innovation management, and entrepreneurship, enabling her to bridge scientific research with commercial success.

International Food Innovation

Dr. Dana is internationally recognised for pioneering the commercialization of Tilapia Ice Cream and Tilapia Cookies, groundbreaking value-added food innovations developed through the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Philippines.

Her innovations received international recognition after winning the International Gold Award for Food Innovation at the Salon International de l’Agroalimentaire (SIAL ASEAN) 2016.

Her work demonstrated how aquaculture can move beyond traditional fresh fish markets into premium, nutritious, and commercially viable functional food products.

Global Commercialization Success

Dr. Dana successfully led the international promotion of these award-winning innovations across major international exhibitions, including:

• Paris, France
• New York, USA
• Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Canada
• China
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Philippines

These global showcases highlighted the Philippines’ innovation capabilities while opening new commercial opportunities for sustainable food products.

Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dr. Dana has secured significant competitive research funding supporting product innovation and commercialization.

Her achievements include:

• DA-BAR research grants for Tilapia functional food innovation
• Department of Agriculture–Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) commercialization funding
• Leadership in product development and value-added agriculture
• Commercial scaling of innovative food technologies

She is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Vera Bella Enterprise Limited Company, the manufacturer and commercial developer of Tilapia Ice Cream.

Supporting PWD Smart FarmAbility

As Board Advisor, Dr. Dana provides strategic guidance for developing globally competitive downstream food products derived from the Soil-U-tion™ Regenerative Ecosystem.

Her advisory focuses on:

• Technology commercialization
• Product innovation
• Functional foods
• Alternative protein development
• Intellectual property strategy
• Product validation
• International market development
• Food entrepreneurship
• Global commercialization partnerships

Her expertise supports PWD Smart FarmAbility’s vision of creating sustainable downstream food innovations that generate both nutritional and economic value.

Advancing Protein for Sustainable Living

Dr. Dana plays a key advisory role in strengthening PWD Smart FarmAbility’s “Protein for Sustainable Living” initiative, supporting the commercialization of innovative tilapia-based functional foods developed from regenerative aquaponics systems.

Her experience helps transform scientific discoveries into products capable of reaching regional and global markets while promoting healthier diets and sustainable food systems.

Leadership Philosophy

 “Innovation creates its greatest impact when scientific discoveries become practical solutions that improve nutrition, empower communities, and create sustainable livelihoods.”

Dr. Dana believes successful commercialization must balance scientific excellence, consumer value, and long-term social impact.

Vision

To accelerate global food innovation by transforming agricultural research into sustainable commercial products that strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and empower farming communities through entrepreneurship and value-added technologies.

Contribution to the Soil-U-tion™ Regenerative Ecosystem

As Board Advisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz provides invaluable expertise in commercializing regenerative food innovations developed through the Soil-U-tion™ Regenerative Ecosystem. Her international experience strengthens PWD Smart FarmAbility’s efforts to position its downstream products—including functional protein foods—within regional and global markets, supporting sustainable livelihoods, circular bioeconomy, and inclusive economic development.

Leadership Motto

> “Transform innovation into opportunity, science into nutrition, and research into sustainable prosperity.”