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Published: 22 April 2024

By Shane Rachel Del Rosario

As part of its commitment to empower and support Filipino innovators, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI)  provided travel assistance to the winners of the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) 2022 who participated in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2024. 

The IEIG is one of the largest invention exhibits in the world devoted to showcasing and highlighting more than 1,000 innovations and inventions across 45 countries.

Mandated under Executive Order 128, DOST-TAPI as a marketing arm aims to promote the commercialization of technologies and market the services of other operating units of the Department. One of its strategies in maximizing government investment on funded research and development outputs is participating in international invention exhibitions and expositions. 

The assistance is also based on Republic Act No. 7459 or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines which states that “all winners may be sent by the Philippine Government to other countries where their winning inventions or areas of interest are advanced.”

DOST-TAPI’s participation in the exhibition is pursuant to the agency’s goals of expanding the market of locally-developed technologies. The IEIG attracts more than 20,000 visitors, where it also provides linkaging opportunities between professionals, media representatives, inventors, and potential partners, to exchange innovative ideas and on the possibility of investments before and during the event.

DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) Building Facade

In 2019, the DOST first participated in the international exhibition with three TECHNiCOM Program-funded Filipino inventions, two of which clinched gold medals for their exceptional technical superiority in their respective fields.  This year, of all nine entries, three of which are NICE winners, namely: 1) New Hemostat Technology; 2) Multi-Fuel Dryer; 3) Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealant and Flame Retardant –  bagged the Silver and Special awards.

(New-Gen Hemostat; Multi-Fuel Dryer; Pili Seal)

NICE is one of the Institute’s initiatives in showcasing our local innovations as well as an opportunity for Filipino innovators to compete in the international stage. 

As the country’s biggest search for the next best invention, it recognizes local inventions, innovations, and research outputs in the Philippines that can potentially contribute to pushing national development initiatives through creative use of science and technology.

(Face-to-face awarding during the NICE 2020)

NICE winners will be receiving travel assistance to participate in international fairs and exhibitions, invention contests and expositions, pitching events, and other similar activities which may help them in promoting their product innovations. 

The national invention tilt is set to happen this July 2024 where finalists across different regions in the country will compete in various categories. Interested innovators are encouraged to stay tuned for announcements and updates on the specific event guidelines and registration to be posted on DOST-TAPI’s website and Facebook page.