Photo Credits: Mark Kennedy Bantugon/Linkedin
Filipino aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon has achieved global recognition after being selected as one of the top 10 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Young Inventors Prize held in Reykjavík, Iceland. The international competition honors young innovators whose work contributes to sustainability, science, and social advancement.
Bantugon’s invention, a revolutionary bio-based aircraft sealant called Pili Seal®, positions the Philippines on the map of eco-friendly innovation. As the only finalist from Southeast Asia, his success brings immense pride to the nation and sets a new standard for green engineering.
Breakthrough Innovation: What Is Pili Seal®?
Pili Seal® is a two-part aircraft sealant made from waste resin extracted from the Pili tree, a native species in the Philippines. Traditionally discarded as a byproduct in the perfume and food industries, this resin is now being repurposed into a biodegradable and fuel-resistant sealant that can withstand extreme pressure and temperature changes—meeting international aviation standards.
Unlike petroleum-based sealants that pose health and environmental risks, Pili Seal® offers a non-toxic and sustainable alternative. It aligns perfectly with global efforts to eliminate hazardous substances in aerospace maintenance.
Key Features of Pili Seal®:
Derived from renewable agricultural waste
Resistant to fuel, pressure, and temperature shifts
Biodegradable and non-toxic
Suitable for aviation, automotive, marine, and construction industries
Contributes to the circular economy by upcycling waste
The Journey: From Rural Life to Global Recognition
Raised in a rural province in Batangas, Bantugon was exposed to the challenges of tropical life and resource scarcity. Early in life, he learned to repair leaks using chewing gum and improvised sealants. These experiences would later fuel his commitment to finding safer, sustainable alternatives for industrial use.
While interning at an aviation company, Bantugon discovered the toxic nature of conventional aircraft sealants and began experimenting with natural resins. After extensive testing of six tree types, he focused on the Pili tree due to its exceptional adhesive properties. He eventually developed four high-performance formulations suitable for various industries.
In 2024, he founded his startup company dedicated to refining and distributing Pili Seal®, setting the stage for wider commercialization and adoption.
Sustainability and Global Impact
Pili Seal® supports a circular economy model by converting over 150 million kilograms of discarded Pili resin waste each year into a high-value product. It directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting industry innovation, waste reduction, and climate resilience.
This innovation is particularly significant for developing nations, offering a pathway toward green industrialization without sacrificing performance or safety.
Recognition at the Young Inventors Prize
The Young Inventors Prize, also known as “Tomorrow Shapers,” recognizes young scientists and entrepreneurs under 30 who are changing the world through innovation. Out of thousands of applicants from around the globe, Bantugon stood out for his environmental impact, technical ingenuity, and economic scalability.
His participation as a top 10 finalist in Iceland is a milestone not only for his career but for Filipino representation in science and technology on an international platform.
Support and National Pride
Bantugon’s innovation journey has been supported by government agencies, including science and intellectual property institutions. The Filipino public and scientific community have rallied behind his nomination, with national campaigns launched to boost visibility for his achievement.
He has become a national icon for youth empowerment, environmental consciousness, and the transformative potential of Philippine science and engineering.
What’s Next for Pili Seal®
With increased interest from commercial and defense sectors, Pili Seal® is on track for international certification and market expansion. Pilot partnerships are already underway to test its application in various industries.
Bantugon plans to invest in scalable production and additional R&D, aiming to create more bio-based adhesives that utilize agricultural waste. His long-term vision includes job creation in rural areas and elevating the Philippines as a hub for sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
Mark Kennedy Bantugon’s recognition at the 2025 Young Inventors Prize is more than a personal triumph—it is a beacon of innovation and hope for the Philippines and the world. His work proves that environmentally conscious engineering can be both functional and transformative. Through Pili Seal®, Bantugon is sealing not just aircraft parts, but a powerful legacy of Filipino resilience, ingenuity, and environmental leadership.
