by Jund Rian A. Doringo
As the implementing arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in promoting the commercialization of technologies, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) celebrates thirty-four years of providing inventive and innovative programs among stakeholders on 30 January 2021.
DOST-TAPI celebrates 34 years of invention and innovation development in the country
Founded in 1987, DOST-TAPI envisions being the strategic partner in advancing national socio-economic growth by advocating a culture of innovation and promoting globally-competitive and useful technologies.
With Director Edgar I. Garcia’s current leadership, the Institute leads the encouragement of intellectual property (IP) system by providing IP-related services, comprehensive invention and innovation programs, business development, and linkages.
Even with the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which restricted transportation and physical gatherings around the world, DOST-TAPI thrived to bring excellence in invention and innovation development through the comprehensive programs of assistance.
A quick response to help lift the burden of inventors, and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSME), the Institute temporarily suspend the payments of financial assistance extended to current beneficiaries from the effective date of the proclamation of the state of calamity until 90 calendar days from the lifting of the said Proclamation.
“The past year witnessed the Institute’s great efforts that are geared towards the realization of our vision as we continuously developed and intensified our programs in the same way that we have aligned them with the mindset to achieve our mission,” said Director Garcia.
Continued leadership in intellectual property
In 2020, the Institute filed 451 IP protection composed of patent, utility model (UM), industrial design, trademark, copyright, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
The strengthened IP monitoring and updating through the Inventors’ System for IP Applications and Grants (iSIPAG) Program composed of the “SIPAG” and “iSIPAG” have improved online and offline data management related to IP filings.
Dedicated assistance in pre-commercialization of inventions
Twenty-five requests for testing and laboratory analyses were evaluated to avail the laboratory facilities of research and development institutes (RDI) including regional offices and other government agencies. The analyses include the evaluation of the invention’s functionality and suitability as well as the safety and conduciveness of the product for public use.
Meanwhile, 64 requests for pilot production and prototype development of inventions were evaluated where 11 of the requests were approved for financial assistance in 2020.
Intensified capacity building on inventiveness and entrepreneurship among the youth
The Invent School Program was able to break new grounds as it was conducted online to 450 high school and college students from 13 regions.
Moreover, five academic income-generating projects with technological innovation were approved under the entrepreneurial competency development program, which benefitted 23 students in Cagayan Valley Region.
Improved frameworks on technology transfer and commercialization
Financial assistance for venture activities of 4.5 million pesos was given to six projects to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies and inventions.
A new program was conceptualized to contribute to the government’s initiatives in combatting COVID-19 through the Level-up Innovation Government Support for Technologies against Spread of COVID-19 (LIGTAS COVID-19). The program has provided financial assistance of 3.6 million pesos to MSMEs for COVID-19-related businesses since June 2020.
Tailored promotion and marketing activities
The continued promotion of inventions and technologies were conducted through the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) and National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), which served as excellent platforms for the dissemination and exchange of ideas on scientific and technical development.
Further, the promotion of five DOST laboratories among the intended clients was followed through an online platform with #SPICEStoDOSTLabS which was conducted from February to November with an average of 100 participants.
Simultaneously, the i-INVENT PH Campaign was launched to massively promote DOST-TAPI Programs for inventors online through promotional materials and press releases which were picked-up by mainstream media.
The Institute’s efforts in improving the programs for technology promotion, business operations, and invention development as placed in the local innovation system are sustaining the momentum as evidenced in the Global Innovation Index.
The Philippines ranking has further improved in the 50th spot among 131 economies in 2020.
Through the collective resolution to move forward even during the trying times, DOST-TAPI truly leads the way in invention and innovation for years to come.
For more information, please contact 8837 2071 local 2157 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..