Ifugao State University (IFSU) has achieved significant recognition in The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Hanseatic League of Universities Conference held at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, USA on May 18, 2023. IFSU received commendations in multiple categories, solidifying its position as a leading institution in innovation.

In the Fourth Industrial Revolution category, IFSU secured an impressive 35th rank for its outstanding entry, the IoT-based Greenhouse Control and Monitoring System. This project, initiated in 2015 as a College of Computing Sciences Capstone Project, focuses on monitoring soil moisture and greenhouse temperature levels. By leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the system automatically adjusts water valves, sprinklers, and exhaust fans to maintain optimal moisture and heat levels. This groundbreaking initiative has already made a positive impact, extending beyond its initial purpose to boost vegetable production and garnering recognition both within the community and internationally.

Furthermore, IFSU achieved a remarkable position in the Ethical Value Category, ranking as top 42. This accolade comes as a result of the Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP), a collaborative effort between IFSU and several international and national agencies. With a focus on sustainable development, the program aims to strengthen the adaptive management framework of the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site in the Philippines. Through the ISMTP, 100 trainees from the GIAHS communities received comprehensive training, empowering them to become environmentally and socially responsible while merging scientific and cultural practices for sustainable development. The program has been instrumental in enhancing research capacity and creating positive impacts across various sectors.

Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, University President, who attended the WURI Conference 2023 and announcement of the ranking said "This is it, our first global recognition in our first year of participation in world’s ranking! We share and dedicate this victory with the entire IFSU family and the Ifugao province! The global recognition of IFSU's innovative projects affirms the university's commitment to addressing pressing challenges faced by agricultural communities in the Ifugao province. I'm thankful for believing in our direction and sharing our vision to be globally recognized.”

Looking ahead, Ifugao State University plans to expand the reach of its projects by sharing the IoT-based Greenhouse Control and Monitoring System with farming communities and organizations. This effort aims to address challenges related to low supply of off-season produce and improve the livelihoods of farmers. Similarly, the university intends to continue its Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program, empowering more individuals to contribute to the conservation and sustainable development of the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

IFSU's remarkable achievements in the global university rankings for innovation are a testament to the institution's dedication to research, collaboration, and sustainable development. The university has positioned itself as a leading force in embracing the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, contributing to the betterment of the agricultural sector and local communities in Ifugao and beyond.