By Elijah Espiritu
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) drafted their future plans for the Philippine technology industry following the success of their business-matching mission and Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Silicon Valley, California on January 9-14, 2024.
The Philippine Delegation, with DOST, successfully completed their Los Angeles and Las Vegas business-matching missions and CES participation on January 9-14, 2024, paving the way for further missions and initiatives connecting the Philippine and American electronics businesses. With 105 visitors at the Philippine Pavilion, 7 established partnerships, 11 successful business visits, and 21 established linkages, the DOST plans to capitalize on the momentum to cement its position in the international electronics landscape.
In support of this plan, DOST recently launched its “super accelerator program” to boost the growth and competitiveness of the technology industry in the Philippines. The “super accelerator program” is a holistic platform that aims to provide a diverse array of services and resources to eligible science and technology start-ups and other enterprises enabling them to innovate, grow, and compete in the global market.
This bold move by the DOST is a significant step towards realizing the country’s potential as a global player in the field of science and technology. Moreover, it is a testament to the government’s commitment to promote science and technology in the country and turn the Philippines into a hub for innovation.
Additionally, DOST is looking forward to participating in the CES 2025, the world's largest and most influential technology event. This time, DOST is determined to showcase the best of DOST technology assisted start-ups and researchers at the Eureka Park, a premier platform for startups to showcase their innovative products and services.
The DOST has always been at the forefront of promoting and supporting the growth of the local start-up ecosystem in the Philippines. With its various programs and initiatives, the DOST has continuously nurtured and empowered aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses. With the Eureka Park being the pinnacle of innovation and entrepreneurship, being featured in this platform is a significant opportunity for start-ups to attract potential investors and partners with global companies.
Next year’s CES will be an exhibit of consumer technologies with a much larger network at Eureka Park, with that, the DOST is hoping that the next Philippine Pavilion will be set on better usage of area as well as colorful display integration, curated design and clear messaging by the department’s mandate to better attract visitors.
To improve the international visibility of the Philippine technology industry, the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST- TAPI) recommends exploring all the exhibit venues at the next CES, this enables the country to cover more ground in showcasing the country’s different areas/capabilities. The agency plans on presenting and showcasing at the Las Vegas Convention Center, The Venetian Expo/Eureka Park, and the Aria Resort.
This endeavor potentially opens up the opportunity to increase exposure of Philippine technologies and take advantage of the CES event holistically.
One of the delegates assisting DOST at this business-matching mission and CES participation is the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) which enhances and promotes the Philippines' competitive advantages and growth opportunities in the electronics industry. The electronics industry has been a driving force in the global economy, with technological advancements and innovations leading the way. Electronics industry is one of the major contributors to the Philippine’s GDP, with significant growth potential. However, to maintain its competitive edge, the industry needs to continuously upgrade its technology and processes.
Recognizing the need for technological advancement in the electronics industry, the DOST has aligned its support with SEIPI to establish a laboratory-scale wafer fabrication facility. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing the country's capability to produce high-quality electronic products.
For the next business-matching mission, DOST seeks to improve the efficiency of each travel by proposing to take a separate path than the rest of the Philippine delegation. This separation enables the Philippine delegation to visit more companies and potentially increase the number of partnerships established at the end of the mission.
The Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) expressed their anticipation for the quantum computing prototype testing in the Philippines by Black Opal, Qiskit, Phoenix, and Physical Qubits. The prototype testing will open up the doors for the country to develop industry integrations of the said technology, this is foreseen to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the current system’s computing power.
In an effort to improve communications with international entities, DOST -TAPI recommends having a foreign scientific or technological coordinator in the future, who will handle the responsibilities in global engagement, research, and business participation. The agency recognizes the importance of international affairs, with this step, it is believed that international connections may be better maintained, fostered, and strengthened.
The Philippine delegation, with DOST, sees these future plans to greatly improve the country’s technology industry by creating a safer and more comfortable investor climate in time for next year’s CES.
