how-to-apply-for-dost-tapi-concept-prototyping-program

How to Apply for Financial Assistance under the DOST-TAPI Concept Prototyping (CP) Program

The Concept Prototyping (CP) Program of the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) provides technical and financial support for Filipino inventors developing a working prototype of a potential or actual invention. Created to help bridge the gap between conceptual ideas and tangible working prototypes, the program was designed to tap into the facilities and laboratories of Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to aid in prototype development and connect innovators with their resources to help shape ideas into tangible, functional designs. Through the technical and financial support it offers, the CP Program strengthens the inventor ecosystem in the Philippines, while helping inventors bring their ideas closer to becoming real, market-ready innovations.

Whether you’re an independent inventor or part of a Filipino-owned juridical entity, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to apply for financial assistance under the DOST-TAPI CP Program — from eligibility and requirements to step-by-step processing timelines and special considerations you need to remember. 

What Is the DOST-TAPI CP Program?

how-to-apply-for-dost-tapi-concept-prototyping-program
Photo credit: DOST-TAPI

The CP Program is part of DOST-TAPI’s broader innovation support initiatives. It offers inventors access to:

  • Financial assistance to develop a prototype
  • Collaboration with industry experts and DOST-supported facilities
  • Use of laboratories and equipment at SUCs and RDIs

The goal is to refine inventions and innovations to a workable stage before moving toward commercialization or mass production.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

  • Support inventors in developing early-stage prototypes through grants and technical guidance.
  • Provide financial assistance for prototype development to Filipino inventors
  • Provide access to facilities and expertise in SUCs and RDIs.
  • Offer technical assistance in collaboration with RDIs, SUCs, HEIs, and other DOST agencies
  • Promote innovation through public-sector collaboration and encourage access to facilities and experts in relevant fields

What Does the Program Offer?

Here’s what the CP Program covers:

  • Up to ₱1,000,000 in financial assistance (released to partner institutions like SUCs or RDIs) for prototype development. This includes raw materials, labor, lab/testing fees, and equipment needed for the prototype housed in a partner institution.
  • Up to ₱200,000 in direct financial assistance (released to the inventor) to purchase raw materials for prototype development.
  • Technical assistance through DOST-RDIs and industry experts.
  • Opportunity to present to the Inventor’s Forum and gain feedback
  • Use of DOST-RDI/SUC lab facilities and expert guidance
  • Assistance in developing technology toward commercialization

Note: Clinical trials and medical-related studies are excluded from the scope of the grant.

Benefits

Some of the practical benefits offered by the program include:

  • Helping inventors develop tangible versions of their ideas
  • Offering access to laboratories and facilities not easily available to individuals
  • Providing funding assistance to offset initial prototype development costs
  • Supporting collaboration with technical experts and institutions

Target Beneficiaries

It was specifically designed with the following beneficiary in mind:

  • Filipino inventors, whether male or female
  • Individual proponents or juridical entities (if Filipino-owned and registered)
  • Filipino citizens permanently residing in the Philippines or willing to stay for at least 5 more years (Must be of legal age)
  • Applicants  and industry experts

Qualifications 

Interested parties must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for application:

  • Be Filipino citizens residing in the Philippines or willing to reside for the next 5 years
  • Be of legal age (proponents aged 65 and above must have a co-implementor)
  • Have good moral character with no criminal record involving moral turpitude
  • Have no overdue obligations with DOST-TAPI, DOST, or other government institutions
  • (For juridical entities) Be Filipino-owned, registered in the Philippines, and have a deed of assignment of patent or utility model

Requirements

To apply, interested parties must submit:

Note: The Data Privacy Consent Form is for new proponents only; Required for first time proponents of DOST-TAPI’s programs or assistance.

Procedures for Application

To apply, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1. Submission & Initial Evaluation 

  • Submit your application letter and all documentary requirements to DOST-TAPI.
  • The Records Section logs your application and forwards it to the Office of the Director (OD).
  • If your request fits the CP Program, it is assigned to the Invention Development Division (IDD) for review.

Step 2. Evaluation Committee Review 

  • If your documents are complete, IDD recommends forming a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) or Inter-Agency Technical Evaluation Committee (IATEC).
  • The committee schedules your Inventor’s Forum presentation.

Step 3. Technical Viability Evaluation 

  • You present your prototype concept to the IATEC.
  • The committee evaluates the proposal’s feasibility and prepares an official evaluation report.
  • DOST-TAPI coordinates with SUCs/RDIs for prototype fabrication estimates.

Step 4. DOST-TAPI Executive Committee Review 

  • Your proposal is submitted to the DOST-TAPI Executive Committee (EXECOM).
  • The EXECOM deliberates and either approves or disapproves the proposal.
  • If rejected, you’ll be notified.

Step 5. MOA Preparation, Signing, and Notarization

  • If approved, DOST-TAPI drafts a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
  • The MOA is reviewed, signed, and notarized.
  • You’ll attend an orientation before the agreement is finalized.

Step 6. Fund Release

  • Once the MOA is signed, DOST-TAPI prepares the fund release documents.
  • The funds are processed through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
  • Once validated, the amount is credited to your account, or to the partner SUC/RDI.

Where to Get Application Forms and Submit Application

You may download the necessary application forms and templates from:

Submit the completed application to:

  • DOST-TAPI Invention Development Division, Records Section

Cost and Processing Timelines

No application fees are required. However, the total processing time may take up to 45 working days depending on the stage:

  • Formality evaluation: 5 working days
  • Technical evaluation: 18 working days
  • EXECOM deliberation: 24 working days
  • MOA signing and notarization: 35 working days
  • Fund Release: 9 working days + 4 hours

Reminders

To ensure a smooth and successful application, here are some things you’d want to keep in mind:

  • First-time applicants must submit the Data Privacy Consent Form
  • Applicants aged 65 and above must have a co-implementor
  • Medical-related technologies are not eligible for this program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, we rounded up this list of the most common questions about the CP Program:

1. Can I apply if I already have an existing prototype?

No, this program is for the initial working prototype stage.

2. Can a juridical entity apply?

Yes, if Filipino-owned and registered with proper deed of patent assignment.

3. Are clinical trials covered?

No. Medical-related technologies requiring clinical studies are excluded.

Contact Information

For more details or clarification, contact:

Atty. Rizalniño L. Noble, Program Manager, Senior Science Research Specialist

  • Telephone: (02) 8582-1450 local 2150
  • Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
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