If you’re a Filipino inventor or innovator looking to promote your locally developed technology, the DOST-TAPI Marketing Assistance Program (MAP) may be able to help. This program was designed to help Filipino inventors and innovators enter the market more effectively by supporting their marketing efforts. It provides both technical and financial assistance to support the marketing and commercialization of technologies that have been supported, funded, or generated by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI). It focuses mainly on the development and implementation of strategic marketing activities to promote technologies that have received DOST-TAPI’s support during their development phase.
This program helps close the gap between innovation and market entry by providing access to technical expertise, marketing materials, and financial assistance for promotional activities. Whether you’re aiming to reach your first customer or grow your market presence, this detailed guide explains how you can apply for the assistance offered by MAP and what support you can expect when you do.
What is the DOST-TAPI Marketing Assistance Program (MAP)?
The DOST-TAPI MAP was also established as part of the government’s mandate to strengthen technology transfer and commercialization under Republic Act No. 7459, also known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines.” Rooted in the goal of supporting Filipino inventors beyond the R&D phase, MAP was developed to help bridge the persistent gap between innovation and public adoption. Its legal foundation is tied to DOST-TAPI’s role as the implementing arm for promoting locally developed technologies through accessible public support mechanisms. The program’s primary objective is to help inventors position their technologies competitively in the market by offering targeted promotional support. Through MAP, the government seeks to encourage a culture of innovation that leads to actual economic value and livelihood opportunities.
What Types of Assistance Are Offered?
Under the MAP, qualified applicants may receive both technical and financial support aimed at enhancing market access. The assistance can include:
Technical Assistance:
- Preliminary Market Research: Gathers initial insights about your target customers and market landscape.
- Market Intelligence Reports: Access to third-party consultancy data or DOST-TAPI’s own research tools.
- Marketing Plan Development: Tailored marketing strategies based on your technology and target audience.
- Creation of Marketing Collaterals: Development of both print and digital promotional materials such as:
- Flyers, brochures, magazines, catalogs
- AVPs (audiovisual presentations), social media graphics, email templates, and more
- Implementation of Additional Marketing Strategies: Other methods identified by DOST-TAPI that can support your commercialization efforts.
What Technologies Are Covered by the Program?
Only technologies that meet the following criteria are eligible for MAP support:
- The technology must have been funded, generated, or supported by DOST-TAPI during its development stage.
- It must follow a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model, which means the product or service is intended to be sold directly to end-users or consumers.
Benefits for Approved Applicants
Some of the benefits offered by the program include:
- Receive expert help in developing your marketing strategy.
- Access to market intelligence data that supports decision-making.
- Get marketing collateral professionally developed at no personal cost.
- Gain support for implementing promotional activities that match your target market.
- Increase the chances of successful commercialization of your innovation.
Target Beneficiaries
Here are the target beneficiaries designed to benefit from the program:
- Filipino individual inventors and innovators
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in technology commercialization
- Technology-based startups supported by DOST-TAPI
- Research and development (R&D) institutions with DOST-funded technologies
- Spin-off companies or adopters of DOST-TAPI generated technologies
- Cooperatives and associations engaged in science and technology-related products
- Academic institutions commercializing DOST-TAPI supported innovations
Qualifications
You may qualify for the program if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a Filipino citizen (either natural-born, naturalized, or dual citizen under RA No. 9225) residing in the Philippines.
- You are actively involved in the commercialization of locally developed technologies, inventions, or science and technology (S&T)-related innovations.
- You have no outstanding obligations or unliquidated accounts with DOST or any of its agencies.
- You have not been convicted in any administrative or criminal case (even if under appeal).
- You have not received similar marketing assistance from DOST-TAPI or any other government agency for the same technology you are applying to promote.
How to Apply
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
You need to submit complete documentary requirements for your application to be processed. Here is the list of documents you need:
- Request Letter: A formal letter expressing your intention to avail of the marketing assistance.
- Duly Accomplished Technology Profile Form (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r6rWpfzjeYqWFJ77QuSWpINCPhFP07MM/edit?tab=t.0), which includes:
- Technical description of your technology
- Current stage of development
- Certification from DOST-TAPI that your technology was supported during its development
- Current development status of your business (if applicable)
- FDA Certificate of Product Registration (if applicable)
- Bureau of Philippine Standards Product Certification (if applicable)
Note: Incomplete submissions will not be processed.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once all documents are ready, you can submit your application via email to: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
When is the Deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. The MAP accepts year-round submissions, as long as funds are available. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out.
How Often Can You Apply?
Each proponent can apply for marketing assistance once per year, and only for one technology at a time.
Important Reminders
To ensure successful application, make sure to take note of the following:
- Only complete applications will be entertained.
- Assistance is limited to once per year per technology.
- Technologies that did not receive support during their development phase from DOST-TAPI are not eligible.
- Keep an eye on your inbox after submission for any follow-up or approval updates.
Video: TAPI Pushes Homegrown Innovations Towards the Global Spotlight
The DOST-TAPI Marketing Assistance Program (MAP) offers a way for Filipino inventors and tech developers to boost their market visibility. By applying for this assistance, you can get access to tailored support that helps bridge the gap between your innovation and your customers. If your technology meets the criteria and you’re ready to scale your reach, prepare your documents and apply today. For more programs like this, visit the DOST-TAPI official site or watch this video below:
Contact Information
For inquiries or more information, you can contact DOST-TAPI via:
DOST-TAPI Public Assistance Office
- Website: http://www.tapi.dost.gov.ph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI
- Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
- Phone: (02) 8582-1450 local 2171