- Details
By Sharah Ibrahim
Continuing the dialogue, the 2nd Stakeholders’ Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization was successfully held on June 23, 2023, engaging a diverse array of key contributors from the CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region).
A knowledgeable presentation by Ms. Sherida Mae M. Cachero, Sup. Economic Development Specialist, NEDA-CAR, provided participants with an informative overview of the country's technology transfer and commercialization landscape.
Afterwards, Ms. Janice W. Cornel, Planning Officer III of DOST-TAPI, presented the agency's initiatives on technology innovation, development, transfer, and commercialization.
Similar with forums in other regions, the event featured an engaging group workshop where participants identified a range of concerns, discussed potential solutions, and suggested progressive programs.
IDEATION AND PROTECTION
In terms of primary concerns, stakeholders identified the upcoming expiration of technologies registered under Utility Models, a need for more intellectual property (IP) protection awareness, an interest in regional investors in line with R&D outputs, and a call for adequate facilities and equipment for functional prototypes.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
The forum spotlighted limited funding and a gap in knowledge about proposal preparation as prevalent challenges in academia. Local government units highlighted the need for technical skill enhancement and better access to academia's R&D results. Meanwhile, private industry/MSMEs shed light on high licensing costs for technologies, a lack of awareness about available technologies, and an inclination towards traditional production methods. To address equipment deficiencies, RLAs suggested setting up shared facilities or innovation centers in every province.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION
A range of issues was spotlighted in this section, from the need for better facilities and equipment for academia's R&D to streamlined processes and consistent funding for LGUs. The private sector focused on high royalty fees and after-sales service quality, while RLAs brought attention to the lack of market for developed products and overlapping projects among implementing agencies.
PROMOTION AND UTILIZATION
The LGUs recognized the importance of partnering closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to monitor commercialized technologies in the region. Private industry participants expressed a desire for clearer target markets for their technologies, revealing that their products are chiefly purchased overseas. Current promotional strategies, including trade fairs and social media platforms, received positive feedback for effectiveness.
The stakeholders' forum continues to serve as a valuable platform for various sectors to express their concerns and offer inputs on the national agenda for technology transfer and commercialization.
The collaborative outcomes from the forum will inform policy and strategic planning, strengthening the Philippines' innovation ecosystem and technology development and commercialization capacities.
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By Matthew Bryan P. Villanueva
DOST-TAPI has finally operationalized its premier mentoring and capacity-building program called HIRANG 2.0, or Honing Innovations, Research, Agreements, and Negotiations of the Government-funded Technologies 2.0. The Program intends to help startups and DOST-Research and Development Institute (DOST-RDI) spinoffs build their capability in running their business, building their portfolio, and eventually closing investment deals and business partnerships.
With HIRANG 2.0, the enrolled startups and DOST-RDI spinoffs will undergo three to four months of training, depending on their needs. Some of the areas covered by the training include investment and business development and Intellectual Property (IP) business portfolio creation.
HIRANG 2.0 aims to capacitate startups and DOST-RDI spinoffs in different areas to secure investment deals and business partnerships.
The Program will shoulder the costs of contracting mentors, experts, and consultants to guide the startups and DOST-RDI spinoffs throughout the program. And for DOST-RDI spinoffs, they can also access up to ₱ 250,000.00 to produce product samples.
Mr. Romeo M. Javate, Chief of the Investment & Business Operations Division (IBOD), where HIRANG 2.0 is implemented, says that startups and spinoffs miss out on optimum growth opportunities if they are not investment-ready. Speaking in a promotional video for HIRANG 2.0, Mr. Javate hopes that budding technopreneurs will be better equipped to secure funding from investors with the program.
The program was first launched in 2020 to capacitate technology transfer officers (TTOs) from the DOST-RDIs in securing Technology Licensing Agreements (TLAs) with private sector technology adopters. With the program's relaunch into HIRANG 2.0 in 2023, it now focuses on supporting startups and DOST-RDI spinoffs and helping them thrive in the local innovation ecosystem.
HIRANG 2.0 is open year-round, subject to the availability of program funds. Interested startups and DOST-RDI spinoffs may review the details of the program, including how to apply, by visiting http://tapi.dost.gov.ph/call-for-proposals/hirang.
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