DOST launches Program PROPEL in Caraga
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the Program PROPEL on May 5, during the Zonal Conference at the Caraga State University in Butian City.
Program PROPEL, or “Accelerating Innovations in the Philippines, Propelling Innovation from the Philippines,” is a nationwide initiative to drive technology transfer and commercialization across the country.
Through Program PROPEL, the DOST is allowed to fuse all of its existing resources, services, and facilities into a platform to support science and technology innovators, researchers, technopreneurs, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become globally competitive.
The program prioritized science-based technologies that will impact the different fields of society, addressing the world’s pressing issues when it comes to health and wellness, agriculture, food security, environment, information and communication technology, energy, and transportation.
“We would like to stack all the outputs of these research and development and how these outputs can impact the development of the country,” said DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Maria Teresa B. De Guzman. “We must ensure that these research outputs do not remain idle in the laboratories, but transform them into technology products, processes, and services for economic growth and improve the living conditions of our people.”
According to DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc, DOST will support technopreneurial ideas all the way from ideation to business incubation until it is ready to enter the market or commercialization, Program PROPEL will then help accelerate it to become a global business, finding global investors.
DOST will provide support such as knowledge bank, scientific and industry network, laboratories and testing facilities, legal services, intellectual management services, business incubation, business development, mentorship programs, skills and development, and more to help build these ideas into a globally market-ready product.
Meanwhile, team leader Harvey Kier O. Ramara of Seascoops Co., the developer of the “Danggit’ ice cream, expressed gratitude to DOST Caraga for the unwavering support to the commercialization journey of their local ice cream.
He is hopeful that through Program PROPEL, more innovators will step up and transform their local products and reach the global market. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
