DOST launches program for Filipino innovators looking to upscale their businesses

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched a program designed to help Filipino researchers, scientists, and tech entrepreneurs in the commercialization of their products or services in the local and global stage.

The PROPEL program opens its existing research and develop resources, provide guidance, aand facilitate access to funding for participants.

It will cater to Filipino innovators offering science and technology-driven solutions in health, information and communications technology, smart agriculture, energy and more.

Furthermore, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that they are not only looking for innovations that can only be used in the Philippines, but in the other countries as well.

“We are not only looking at Europe, or the Americas. There’s the South Pacific, Asean, and Africa—countries that also have needs in technology,” the DOST chief told the press after the launch at the Manila Hotel on December 4.

Solidum emphasized that the Philippine market is only small, and innovators have to think of bringing it outside the country to make it work.

For this program, DOST has also partnered with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to back the Filipino innovators when their products are ready to be launched outside the country.

Moreover, PROPEL is a free service by DOST and its expert partners for those interested to grow their existing companies and are looking for investors for funding.

One of the services offered by the department is its AI-driven chatbot called “Juan2Know,” which could help innovators to know if their product is already existing in another country.

To avail of the program, innovators may go to DOST’s central office in Taguig City or to DOST’s provincial or regional iHUBs.

Once their products have been assessed, they may be assisted to showcase these in the global exhibitions..

“Our ultimate goal is to build companies, so we could produce more products, innovations that all Filipinos could use, and could also be exported to other countries. Program PROPEL is here to help you,” Solidum said.