The PCHRD Startup Research Grant Program is a government scheme aimed at boosting research and development (R&D) activities of Filipino-owned startups in the health sector.
Established under Republic Act No. 11337, also known as the Innovative Startup Act, the program is overseen by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a sectoral council of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The program’s primary goal is to foster innovation in the health industry by providing financial assistance and support to startups that show the potential for technological breakthroughs in healthcare.
Program Objectives and Benefits
The Program offers a range of benefits to startups, including both financial support and access to DOST resources.
The program’s objectives are focused on helping startups overcome common R&D challenges, such as:
- Overcoming R&D roadblocks: Helping startups address issues that may prevent them from advancing their technologies.
- Strengthening intellectual property (IP): Providing guidance on protecting and enhancing IP rights related to health innovations.
- Establishing initial market traction: Assisting startups in gaining their first customers and validating their products in the market.
- Refining business models: Offering support to optimize startups’ business models for growth and sustainability.
- Scaling up production: Helping startups expand their production capabilities to meet increasing demand.
In addition to these objectives, startups that receive grants will have access to several resources, including:
- DOST’s Growth Innovation and Acceleration (GIA) Program: A program designed to further accelerate the growth of startups.
- Follow-up financial assistance: Opportunities for additional funding to support business scale-up and expansion.
- DOST’s science and technology network: A network of experts, facilities, and laboratories for further research and collaboration.
- DOST Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Network: Startups can access the mentorship and support provided by the TBI network, specializing in technology-based businesses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Program, a startup must meet specific eligibility requirements.
These include:
- Registered with the SEC: The startup must be legally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Filipino-owned: At least 60% of the company must be owned by Filipino citizens.
- Health-related products or services: The startup must focus on health-related technologies or services.
- In operation for 1-3 years: The company should have been operating for at least one year and not more than three years.
- Filipino project leader: The person leading the research project must be a Filipino citizen.
- Capability to conduct R&D: The startup must demonstrate the ability to carry out research activities.
- Legal personality to issue receipts: The startup must have the legal authority to issue financial receipts for transactions.
- No outstanding accountabilities with DOST: The company should not have unresolved debts or obligations with DOST.
- No ongoing project with DOST: The startup cannot have an active project funded by DOST at the time of application.
- No pending administrative or criminal cases: Startups must not be involved in any ongoing legal cases.
Research Areas
The program prioritizes research proposals in the following areas:
- Innovative Tools for Improved Healthcare Provider-Patient Experience: Proposals that focus on developing tools and systems to enhance interactions between healthcare providers and patients, such as appointment systems, specialist search engines, and home care monitoring solutions.
- Systems for Health Service Delivery: Efficient and inclusive healthcare delivery systems, including telemedicine, e-pharmacy services, and online referral systems.
- Innovative Technologies for Healthcare Facilities: Proposals aimed at improving health facilities through biomedical devices, diagnostic kits, supply chain management solutions, and technologies for smart and resilient healthcare facilities.
These focus areas align with the program’s goal of promoting innovative health solutions that improve healthcare access and quality for Filipinos.
Application Process
The application process for the Grant Program consists of two main stages:
Capsule Proposal
- Prepare a capsule proposal: This initial proposal should include a project title, proposed duration, information about the project leader and the startup, a project plan, and a budgetary breakdown.
- Submit the proposal: Capsule proposals should be submitted via email for feedback and evaluation.
- Attend a writeshop: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online writeshop to refine their proposals and prepare for the full-blown proposal submission.
Full-blown Proposal
- Submit a full-blown proposal: This more detailed proposal includes a full project description, background of the startup, market analysis, intellectual property status, and expected research outcomes.
- Include supporting documents: Applicants must also submit a line-item budget, work plan, curriculum vitae of the project leader, and affidavits from all company owners or directors.
The submission process culminates in the selection of startups that will receive funding to carry out their research projects.
Grant Guidelines
Several guidelines govern the Program, including:
- One proposal per applicant: Each startup is only allowed to submit one proposal at a time.
- One project per grantee: Grantees can only have one active project at a time.
- Project duration: Approved projects must be completed within a maximum of 12 months.
- Grant cap: The maximum funding available per project is PHP 3 million.
- Project reports: All project reports must be submitted using DOST-approved forms.
These guidelines help manage the program effectively and make sure that funded projects are completed within the allocated time and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The program has addressed some common questions, such as:
- Can I apply if I only have a product idea but no prototype?
No, startups must have a working prototype to qualify for the grant. - Can I request funding above PHP 3 million?
Yes, but additional documentary requirements may be requested, and the proposal will undergo further evaluation. - Can I request an extension for my project?
Yes, extensions may be granted subject to the approval of the PCHRD and justification for the request.
Recent Updates
Celebrating Innovation: Undergraduate Thesis Grant Finalists Announced
The Natural Products Oral Research Paper Presentation Competition has announced its finalists for this year’s Undergraduate Thesis Grant. The competition recognizes and celebrates the research achievements of undergraduate students in the field of natural products. The finalists will present their research findings on September 21, 2024, at the PICC Forum Tent. The event offers an opportunity for attendees to learn from these young researchers and engage in discussions about the potential of natural products. Registration for the event is open to all at nystif.dost.gov.ph.
The Philippine Liver Research Network (PLRN) has held its inaugural meeting, marking a major step in advancing liver research in the country. The Network has identified strengthening partnerships with its member institutions as a key priority for its initial activities. The meeting, held on August 19, 2024, brought together researchers and institutions dedicated to liver health. The PLRN aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to improved understanding and treatment of liver diseases in the Philippines.
Video: DOST PCHRD Institutional Video
Conclusion
The PCHRD Startup Research Grant Program is a key driver for health startups in the Philippines.
By providing financial support, access to R&D resources, and connections to the DOST’s extensive science and technology network, the program empowers startups to develop innovative health solutions that address the country’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
For Filipino startups looking to make a meaningful impact in the health sector, this program provides the tools, funding, and guidance to turn their ideas into reality.