In a move to enhance the role of technology in the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially launched last Dec. 4 the “Propel” program.
The initiative aims to translate innovative ideas into global market-ready products, aligning with the government’s commitment to foster an innovative ecosystem under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The Propel program will serve as a commercialization arm for DOST, offering Filipino innovators access to essential resources. The program will leverage existing regional and provincial DOST Innovation Hubs (iHUBS) to create supportive platforms for local entrepreneurs.
Additionally, a robust support system has been established, comprising 12 key initiatives designed to facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions. The suite of services will be utilized to develop innovations until deemed fit for showcasing and marketing to global investors and global exhibitions.
The suite of services include:
- Market-driven R&D
- DOST Knowledge banks consolidated into an AI-Driven chatbot called “Juan2KNOW”
- Scientific and Industry Network
- Customer, Market, and Trade Intelligence Portals
- Systems and Regulatory Portals
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Market Readiness Level (MRL) assessments
- Network of Laboratories and Testing Facilities
- Intellectual Property Management Services
- Legal Support
- Tiered Seed Funding and Physical Spaces
- Technology Business Incubations, Business Development Mentorship Programs
- Licensing, Spinoff Management Services, and access to Local and Global Funding Network
Propel is geared towards university-based and community-based innovators, enabling collaboration among Filipino researchers and innovators both locally and abroad.
The program also aims to instill entrepreneurial skills early on by involving students from the 16 Philippine Science High School campuses.
Currently, Propel is prioritizing innovative solutions in several critical sectors, with a focus on:
Human Wellbeing
- Learning, Education, and Culture
- Health and Wellbeing
Wealth Creation
- Food and Agriculture
- Industrial Solutions
- Transport and Mobility
Wealth Protection
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Climate, Disaster Resilience, and Human Security
- Sustainability
- Energy and Utilities System
- Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Governance
During the launch, DOST secretary Renato Solidum Jr. stated that “Propel is a gateway for Filipino innovators to engage with global collaborators, attract foreign investments, and promote the Philippines as a hub for science, technology, and innovation.”
The Propel program will operate from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communication, and Commercialization at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City, with a satellite office at the DOST-PCCI Science, Technology, and Innovation Hub located at McKinley Town Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
