The DOST-TAPI Innovation and Technology (I-Tech) Lending Program under the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) of R.A. 7459 provides financial assistance to Filipino inventors aiming to commercialize their patented technologies. Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), this program is anchored on Republic Act No. 7459 or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines. It supports projects that contribute to energy conservation, local production efficiency, import substitution, and technological growth across various sectors.
This guide serves as a detailed reference on how to apply for assistance under the DOST-TAPI i-Tech Lending Program, guiding Filipino inventors and qualified organizations in turning their innovations into viable enterprises through structured financial assistance.
Program Overview
The DOST-TAPI i-Tech Lending Program was established to provide accessible financial support to qualified Filipino inventors aiming to commercialize their patented technologies. The program was designed to address the funding gap that often hinders the transformation of inventions into viable enterprises. It aims to promote innovation-driven industries by offering favorable loan terms through a partnership with Landbank, supporting projects that contribute to national development and economic productivity.
Eligible Projects
Some of the business activities supported by this program are those that promote the following:
- Fossil fuel conservation and substitution
- Export promotion
- Import substitution
- Productivity in agriculture and industry
- Local material utilization
- Environmental improvement
Features
The program comes with the following features:
- Loan Purposes: The assistance can be used as:
- Capital expenditures or acquisition of fixed assets
- Working capital for production and commercialization activities
- Financing Structure: The program is implemented using the following financing structure:
- Landbank: Up to 45% (maximum of PHP 5.625 million)
- DOST-TAPI IGF: Up to 40% (maximum of PHP 5 million)
- Borrower’s Equity: Minimum 15%, in cash or kind
- Maximum total loanable amount: PHP 12.5 million, or based on the borrower’s repayment capacity
- Loan Terms
- Interest Rates: Landbank’s portion at 5% per annum; DOST-TAPI IGF portion is interest-free
- Loan Tenor:
- Short-term: up to 360 days
- Term loan: up to 10 years for fixed asset acquisition, with up to 2 years grace period; up to 3 years for working capital
- Repayment Terms: Tailored based on cash flow (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.)
Benefits
Applying for this program provides practical access to:
- Interest-free financial assistance through TAPI-IGF
- Preferential lending via Landbank
- Technical support for evaluating invention commercialization
- Possible partial collateral requirements for TAPI-IGF portion
Note: Even if the loan is disapproved, applicants benefit from a comprehensive technical assessment and documentation support that could strengthen future financing opportunities.
Target Beneficiaries
It was meant to support the following groups:
- Individual Filipino inventors with active IP rights
- Startups and businesses owned or controlled by inventors
- Cooperatives, government institutions, LGUs, and academic institutions with patented technologies and commercialization plans
Who Can Apply
To qualify, applicants must at least meet the following conditions:
- Must be a Filipino inventor with active intellectual property rights such as patents, utility models, or industrial design registrations.
- Should be at least 21 years old, of good moral character, and in good health. If aged 60 or older, a co-maker/co-borrower is required.
- Can also be corporations, partnerships (60% Filipino-owned), cooperatives, or single proprietors using a patented invention through a Deed of Assignment.
- Borrowers must have no outstanding obligations with DOST-TAPI.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following:
- Application Letter addressed to DOST-TAPI Director
- Project Proposal with Business Plan
- Valid Certificate of IP Registration (IPOPHL)
- Data Privacy Consent Form
- IPOPHL Notice of Recordal (if applicable)
- Business registration papers (SEC, BIR, Mayor’s Permit)
- Certificates and licenses from government agencies
- Screening Committee Certification
- Landbank Endorsement (to be issued post-evaluation)
Collateral Requirements
The loan program also requires a collateral and this collateral must meet the following criteria:
- Landbank portion requires full collateral cover
- TAPI-IGF portion (up to PHP 5 million) may be unsecured
- Acceptable securities include real estate mortgages, chattel mortgages, insurance assignments, and other valid instruments
Step-by-Step Application Process
Once the requirements are ready, you can apply for the i-Tech Lending Program by following these steps:
Step 1: Submit Application and Preliminary Evaluation (6 working days)
- Applicant submits complete documents to DOST-TAPI Records
- DOST-TAPI checks completeness and appropriateness of documents
- Notification is sent regarding document status (complete/incomplete)
Step 2: Technical Evaluation (25 working days)
- DOST-TAPI forms a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) or Inter-Agency Committee (IATEC)
- Committee conducts validation, evaluation visits, and prepares recommendation
Step 3: Screening Committee Evaluation (30 calendar days)
- DOST-TAPI forwards proposal to the Screening Committee
- Committee conducts additional evaluation and site validation if needed
- SC Certification is issued
Step 4: LANDBANK Evaluation (45 banking days)
- Applicant submits endorsed documents to Landbank Lending Centers
- Landbank conducts independent validation and evaluation
Step 5: DOST-TAPI EXECOM Review (7 working days)
- EXECOM reviews recommendation and makes final decision
- Notification of approval or disapproval is issued
Step 6: MOA Signing and Notarization (6 working days)
- Draft MOA is prepared, reviewed, signed, and notarized
- Notarized copy is sent to the applicant
Step 7: Fund Release (6 working days)
- Letter of Instruction (LOI) is prepared and sent to Landbank
- Landbank releases the funds
- Borrower is notified of the crediting of funds
Fees and Charges
Make sure that you are ready and that you have enough funds for the following:
- Landbank standard fees apply based on their prevailing credit bulletin
- 24% penalty rate per annum on Landbank’s loan share for defaults
Estimated Total Processing Timeline
Once the complete documentary requirements are submitted, you can expect each process to take some time. The duration is broken down as follows:
- TAPI Formality Evaluation: 6 working days
- EXECOM Deliberation: 38 working days
- Fund Release (TAPI): 50 working days
- Screening Committee: 30 calendar days
- Landbank Evaluation: 45 banking days
Where to Get Forms and Templates
As for the forms and templates, you can simply check the guide below:
- Application Letter Template, Project Proposal Format, and Data Privacy Form are downloadable from the DOST-TAPI official website
- IPOPHL-related certificates must be secured directly from IPOPHL
- Business registration documents must be acquired from respective government agencies (SEC, BIR, LGUs)
Video: DOST-TAPI Roadmap Launch and Stakeholders’ Recognition
To learn more about TAPI and its goals, programs, and their stakeholders, you may check out this video below: