The Technology Innovation for Commercialization Program (TECHNiCOM) is a grant-funded program aimed at accelerating the transfer, utilization, and commercialization of research and development (R&D) outputs in the Philippines.
Managed by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), this program supports Filipino technopreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable products that contribute to sustainable development.
Program Objectives
The TECHNiCOM program aims to drive innovation and commercialization by providing technopreneurs with financial support and access to DOST-TAPI’s technology and innovation support systems.
The program is designed to fund pre-commercialization activities that help refine, validate, and market products, helping innovations reach the public efficiently.
Some of its main goals include:
- Bridging the gap between R&D and commercialization: Supporting projects in the pre-commercialization phase to fast-track their entry into the market.
- Supporting national development: Funding projects that align with the country’s science and technology (S&T) priorities and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Priority Areas of Funding
TECHNiCOM focuses on funding projects that align with DOST’s Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) for 2022-2028.
The program prioritizes projects in various sectors, such as:
- Smart Electronics
Devices and components, including IoT devices, wearables, and home automation systems. - IoT and Automation in Industrial Settings
Industrial equipment integrated with software for automation. - Robotics/Mechatronics
Development and refinement of robotic systems and intelligent machines. - Renewable Energy Technologies
Energy-efficient solutions, including energy storage systems and grid integration technologies. - Water Resource Management
Technologies for water treatment, recycling, and smart irrigation systems.
These areas were chosen based on their potential to contribute to the country’s long-term sustainable development.
Who Can Apply?
The TECHNiCOM program is open to a range of eligible entities, including:
- Research and Development Institutes (RDIs)
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Startup companies/firms
Eligibility for RDIs, SUCs, and HEIs:
- The previous R&D must have been funded by an eligible source, including the proponent institution itself, DOST Regional Offices, or other government agencies.
- The R&D must not have been funded or monitored by any DOST Sectoral Council.
Eligibility for Startup Companies:
- Startups must have been in operation for at least one year but less than seven years.
- The startup must be a registered corporation and have its registration with the DTI, SEC, or CDA.
Covered Activities
TECHNiCOM provides funding for a wide range of pre-commercialization activities designed to refine and validate technologies before they enter the market.
Some of the covered activities include:
- Commercial prototyping: Building and improving functional prototypes based on market needs.
- Pilot-scale testing: Testing the technology at a larger scale to validate its functionality.
- Market research: Gathering insights about target customers, market trends, and the competition.
- Business model validation: Testing and refining business models to assess market viability.
- Field or market testing: Conducting field trials to confirm the technology meets the needs of intended users.
These activities help technopreneurs enhance their products, making them more competitive in the market.
Exclusions from the Program
Certain activities are not eligible for TECHNiCOM funding.
The program does not cover:
- Food formulation (unless the product addresses a specific health-related problem).
- Purely establishing facilities.
- Discovery or development of new products and basic research.
- Technologies intended solely for extension purposes (e.g., farming techniques).
- Technologies already ready for commercialization.
By focusing on technologies still in the refinement stage, the program makes sure that its funding is used to support innovation before commercial entry.
Financial Assistance and Budgeting
The TECHNiCOM program covers both direct and indirect costs, including:
- Personnel services (PS)
- Maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE)
- Equipment outlay (EO)
Applicants are required to submit a Line-Item Budget (LIB), following DOST-GIA guidelines.
Additionally, the program requires a counterpart fund, either in cash or kind, which must cover at least 15% of the project’s total cost.
Having other external funding to complement TECHNiCOM’s grant is also highly encouraged.
Program Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following general documents to be considered for the TECHNiCOM Program:
- Letter of Interest: A letter addressed to the Program or DOST-TAPI Director stating the intent to avail of financial assistance.
- Endorsement Letter from the DOST Agency: This includes an initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment. The endorsement can come from either a DOST Regional Office (for SUCs, HEIs, RDIs, or startups without previous DOST Sectoral Council funding) or a DOST Sectoral Council (for startups that have received previous funding from a DOST Sectoral Council).
- Full-Blown Project Proposal: This must follow the prescribed TECHNiCOM format and include a Gender and Development (GAD) Score. Templates and samples are provided by DOST-TAPI.
- Work Plan and Gantt Chart: A detailed timeline of the project’s implementation.
- Detailed Line-Item Budget: A clear breakdown of project expenses using the template provided by DOST-TAPI.
- Letter of Interest from the Private Sector or Cooperating Agencies: If applicable, this letter should indicate which organizations will participate in project implementation or technology adoption.
- Cash Program: This document must reflect the total project budget.
- Curriculum Vitae of the Project Leader and Team Members: This should highlight at least one technical expert aligned with the subject technology.
Additional Requirements for Startups include:
- Authenticated copies of DTI, SEC, or CDA registrations.
- A Mayor’s permit reflecting the location of the business.
- Latest Income Tax Returns and Audited Financial Statements covering the past three years (or for the years in operation, if less than three years).
- A document proving that the startup has equity amounting to at least 20% of the total project cost, which can be in the form of labor, land, facilities, equipment, and the like.
- A Disclosure of other related businesses if applicable.
- Sworn Affidavits from all startup owners, incorporators, stockholders, organizers, partners, and directors that confirm they are not related to any DOST officer involved in processing or approving the grant.
- Endorsement Letter from the business incubation facility where the startup is located or other proof of capability and track record in conducting R&D.
Application Process
The application process for the TECHNiCOM program consists of several steps:
1. Submit an Abstract Form
Applicants must first submit an abstract form to proposals@tapi.dost.gov.ph.
This form is used to assess the initial eligibility of the proposal idea.
It should include details about the technology, project goals, and estimated budget.
2. Preliminary Review
The submitted abstract will be reviewed by DOST-TAPI.
If shortlisted, the applicant will be asked to prepare a full-blown proposal.
3. Prepare a Full-Blown Proposal
Once shortlisted, applicants must submit a comprehensive project proposal using the TECHNiCOM format.
This proposal should cover the project’s objectives, methodology, timeline, and budget.
Templates for the proposal and budget are available through DOST-TAPI.
4. Endorsement from DOST Regional Office
Applicants must secure an endorsement from the relevant DOST office, either the Regional Office or the Sectoral Council, depending on the applicant’s previous funding history.
5. Submit via DPMIS
The full proposal and required documents must be submitted via the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS).
Only proposals submitted through the DPMIS platform will be evaluated.
6. Evaluation and Feedback
DOST-TAPI will evaluate the proposals based on the technical soundness of the project, its alignment with national priorities, and the team’s capability.
Applicants may be contacted for clarifications or revisions.
7. Approval and Funding
If the project is approved, the proponent will be notified of the funding award, and the project will move into the implementation phase.
By following this process, applicants can access the support they need to commercialize their technologies and contribute to national development.
Video: Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TechniCom) Program
Conclusion
The TECHNiCOM program is a valuable resource for Filipino technopreneurs looking to bring their innovations to market.
By providing financial assistance and support for pre-commercialization activities, the program helps bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization, making sure that homegrown technologies can make a meaningful impact on the country’s economic and sustainable development.
Whether you’re a research institution or a startup, TECHNiCOM offers the tools and resources you need to transform your ideas into viable products that benefit both local and global markets.