Department of Science and Technology Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr. said the agency will work closely with other government agencies and the private sector in line with its ambitious plan to further strengthen support for startups.
“We plan to collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Department of Trade and Industry in a strategic planning session in January to establish clear goals and targets for the next five years,” Solidum said.
The DOST, he said, aims to harmonize startup programs with DICT and DTI, improve communication plans, promote the Startup PH website, and launch additional programs for startups and startup enablers.
“We will establish more collaboration with the private sector,” he added.
According to the DOST, its attached agencies’ Startup Grant Fund Program has so far provided P230 million to over 60 startups for research and development purposes and strengthen their intellectual property.
The agency’s Women Helping Women Innovating Social Enterprises Program, which focuses on women-led enterprises promoting equity and inclusivity to women entrepreneurs, has helped 15 enterprises since 2021, with a total funding of P53M.
On the other hand, the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) program, which was formed to capacitate the TBI facilities of universities and colleges, has already established 54 TBI networks.
The program aims adding 27 new TBIs with a funding of P400M in the next two years, according to the DOST.
Solidum said the agency will enhance the startup ecosystem via the Regional Startup Enabler for Ecosystem Development Program, which has a total funding of P120M to reach 16 regions. – PNA
