If you’re a Filipino innovator looking for comprehensive support to bring your invention closer to the market, the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) Grants and Assistance To Leverage Innovations For National Growth (GALING) Program is a government initiative that offers both financial and technical assistance to improve the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of local innovations. This program brings together several pre-commercialization services under one umbrella to enhance the technical viability and marketability of innovations.
It’s like a packaged assistance initiative under the DOST-TAPI that consolidates three major invention development services: the Testing and Analyses Program, the Industry-Based Invention Development (IBID) Program, and the Invention-Based Enterprise Development (IBED) Program designed to assist innovators through iterative prototyping, product development, testing, and pilot deployment, all structured around TRL-based interventions. If you have an invention in need of further development or pilot testing, read this guide and learn more about applying to this program so you can receive the necessary resources and guidance that match your needs.
Program Overview
Launched to consolidate and harmonize multiple pre-commercialization initiatives aimed at supporting Filipino inventors, the program was designed as a response to the need for more integrated and accessible innovation support, combining technical assistance and financial grants to help inventions progress from concept to market-readiness through TRL-based interventions. By addressing common gaps in product development, testing, and validation, the GALING Program helps innovators enhance the technical and market potential of their technologies, ultimately contributing to national development and local economic opportunities.
Some of the key features of the GALING Program include:
- Technical and financial assistance for fabrication and refinement of prototypes
- Collaboration with DOST Regional Offices, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), and private sector experts
- Access to testing facilities and laboratories for validation and pilot testing
- Support for market validation to help transition innovations to commercialization
Covered Activities
The GALING Program supports innovations through two main phases, depending on the TRL stage:
- Technology Validation / Product Development: Focuses on improving prototypes to prepare them for deployment.
- Market Validation / Pilot Testing: Aims to make the product ready for market testing and validation.
Each phase may include only one round of prototype iteration and should be completed within a year.
Financial Assistance Coverage
Approved projects may receive funding for:
- Raw materials
- Tools, devices, and equipment
- Labor costs for prototype development
- Costs related to testing, debugging, and validation
Who Can Apply?
Any Filipino citizen permanently residing in the Philippines may apply, provided they have no overdue or unliquidated obligations with DOST-TAPI. However, all applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A Filipino citizen permanently residing in the Philippines
- If below 18 or above 60 years old, a co-implementor is required
- Must have no overdue financial obligations or unliquidated accounts with DOST-TAPI
Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Application letter addressed to the TAPI Director
- Copy of a valid government-issued ID showing birth date
- Deed of undertaking (if a co-implementor is involved)
- Duly signed Data Privacy Consent Form
- Detailed Project Proposal using the required format (including any additional attachments listed in the official guidelines)
Step-by-Step Application Process
To apply, here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Submission and Preliminary Assessment (4 Working Days)
- Submit your application and requirements to the DOST-TAPI Records Office
- Records Office forwards documents to the Office of the Director, which then refers it to the appropriate Division
Step 2: Formality and Substantive Evaluation (2 Working Days)
- GALING Program Manager checks the completeness of submissions
- Incomplete submissions are returned for revision; complete ones proceed to evaluation
Step 3: Technical Evaluation (14 Working Days)
- A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) or Inter-Agency Technical Evaluation Committee (IATEC) is formed
- The committee evaluates the proposal based on TRL level, feasibility, and potential
- Proponents are notified of the results
Step 4: EXECOM Review and Approval (9 Working Days)
- The TAPI Executive Committee reviews the evaluation reports
- If revisions are needed, the proponent submits a rejoinder
- Approved proposals proceed to documentation; disapproved ones receive formal notice
Step 5: MOA/Conforme Drafting and Signing (10 Working Days + 4 Hours)
- DOST-TAPI drafts the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Conforme Letter
- Legal review, signing, and notarization follow
- Final notarized copies are sent to the applicant
Step 6: Fund Release (9 Working Days + 4 Hours)
- Vouchers and disbursement documents are prepared
- Internal finance offices verify funding and documents
- Funds are transferred via Land Bank of the Philippines
- Applicant is notified once the funds are credited
Where to Get the Required Forms?
Forms can be downloaded from the DOST-TAPI website: https://www.techtrans.gov.ph.
Processing Timeline
The proposal evaluation may take from 6 to 29 working days depending on completeness and approvals. The processing time, including the MOA Preparation and signing can take up to 39 working days, not including fund release, which may take an additional 9 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some of the common questions and answers related to the program:
1. Can minors or senior citizens apply?
Yes, applicants below 18 or above 60 years old may apply, but must be represented by a qualified co-implementor.
2. Is the assistance purely financial?
No. It includes technical assistance (from experts and institutions) and financial support (for materials, tools, equipment, labor, etc.).
3. What institutions are involved in providing technical support?
Support may come from DOST Regional Offices, SUCs, HEIs, RDIs, or private institutions.
4. Can a project receive support for both phases?
Yes, but only if the innovation is at TRL 5 or lower, and each phase must be completed within one year.
5. What are some reasons a proposal may be rejected?
Reasons may include incomplete documents, non-compliance with program requirements, or unsatisfactory evaluation results.
6. Is there a fee for submitting an application?
No. The entire application and evaluation process is free of charge.
7. What happens after a proposal is approved?
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Conforme Letter is drafted, signed, notarized, and the fund disbursement process begins.
8. How are the funds disbursed?
Funds are transferred via Land Bank of the Philippines after document verification and processing through DOST-TAPI’s internal finance offices.
9. Can an applicant reapply if previously disapproved?
Yes, as long as the issues that caused the disapproval are resolved and the applicant remains eligible.
10. Is GALING a loan program?
No, it is a grant-based assistance program, not a loan. Recipients do not need to pay back the funds.
11. Can GALING assist with commercialization?
Yes, it assists with pre-commercialization activities to make the product ready for market entry.
12. Can an organization apply for GALING?
No, only individual Filipino citizens are eligible to apply.
13. Can someone with another ongoing DOST-TAPI grant apply for GALING?
Yes, provided they have no unliquidated obligations or overdue accounts.
14. Can I submit my application online?
Applications may be submitted in person or digitally, depending on DOST-TAPI’s current processing guidelines.
15. What is a co-implementor?
A co-implementor is a responsible person who will assist the main applicant in project implementation, especially if the applicant is underage or elderly.
16. Will DOST-TAPI help connect me with experts or laboratories?
Yes, GALING facilitates collaboration with SUCs, RDIs, and DOST Regional Offices.
17. Can I choose my own fabricator or partner expert?
Yes, but they must be vetted and approved by DOST-TAPI. If not in the expert pool, additional steps are required.
18. What happens if my application is incomplete?
You will be notified and asked to complete or revise your submission before evaluation proceeds.
19. What if my proposal gets disapproved?
You will receive a formal notice and regret letter. Reapplication may be possible if the reasons for disapproval are addressed.
Video: RadyoSyensya GALING Program
The DOST-TAPI GALING Program presents a structured pathway for Filipino inventors to advance their innovations with technical and financial assistance tailored to various stages of product development. By combining expert collaboration, access to laboratories, and financial support for prototyping and validation, the GALING Program helps innovators prepare for successful market entry. Learn how it can help you by watching this video below:
For inquiries, contact:
DOST-TAPI Public Assistance Office
- Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
- Phone: (02) 8582-1450 local 2171