The Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) launched programs of assistance to innovators during the launching of the DOST-TAPI Roadmap and Stakeholders’ Recognition on 13 May 2022 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City.

For three and a half decades, DOST-TAPI has accomplished milestones year after year in promoting technology transfer and commercialization, and administering invention-related development through the provision of the Invention Development Assistance Fund.

Dubbed as the marketing arm of the DOST, the Institute has gained momentum in fulfilling the mandates that contributed to social and economic development of the country.

“With our existing programs that cater to intellectual property rights protection, venture financing, prototype development, market and pilot testing, special loaning facilities, and technology expositions, among others, we are adding comprehensive programs in our roster to service and reach out to more stakeholders nationwide,” said DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena.

Honing Innovations, Research, Agreements, and Negotiations of Government-Funded Technologies 2.0 or HIRANG 2.0

HIRANG 2.0 is an improved internship program that arose from the previously completed Support to the Commercialization of 500 DOST-Generated Technologies and Strengthening the Country’s Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Portfolios in 2020.

The previous HIRANG focused on technology transfer officers to improve their knowledge and skills on IP valuation, technology pitching, negotiation, and licensing.

This time, HIRANG 2.0 shifts the focus to train startups and spin-off companies through consultancies and capacity building activities as most local micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) are not ready to upscale for investment.

“We identified this lack of investment-readiness hampers their potential for optimum growth,” said DOST-TAPI Chief Science Research Specialist, Romeo M. Javate.

Local MSMEs have great potential to expand only if appropriate assistance is provided to them.

“A higher investment-readiness level builds confidence and trust among investors hence, a higher investment level attracts investors to share their resources to MSMEs,” said DOST-TAPI Supervising Science Research Specialist, Pierre Sonia S. Dela Corte.

Technology Optimization for Utilization and Market Preparation or TOP UP

TOP UP was created to guide inventors and innovators turn their ideas into market-ready inventions, particularly for commercial prototyping, IP protection, testing and validation, and pilot production.

“The program provides financial and technical assistance to create a holistic approach that harmonizes the nitty-gritty processes of innovation and invention,” said DOST-TAPI Senior Science Research Specialist, Roberto R. Verzosa.

The Program hopes to encourage the development of new technologies and to support the development of commercial prototypes for technology validation.

Marketing Assistance Program or MAP

Aims to provide a more focused approach in the formulation, development, and implementation of marketing strategies of assisted DOST-TAPI technologies, MAP is a detailed and oriented program designed to address the specific needs of the stakeholders.

“The program is designed with prescribed policies and implementing rules to achieve key objectives,” said DOST-TAPI Senior Science Research Specialist, Florisa Mae A. Ilagan.

Moreover, MAP targets to identify locally-developed technologies that need marketing assistance for them to have custom-fit marketing plans and strategies, and in turn publish market intelligence reports as a reference for other beneficiaries.

Self-sustaining Institute

These programs solidify DOST-TAPI’s position to become a self-sustaining institute that provides unique and responsive solutions to societal problems with science and technology at the very core of each response.

The previously added programs support the Institute’s roadmap as DOST-TAPI eyes to become an investment partner for every local enterprise to start penetrating the international market from 2023 and beyond.

For more information, please contact 8837 2071 local 2151 or email info@tapi.dost.gov.ph.