The Financial Assistance for Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Program, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), aims to support Filipino-developed technologies during the pre-commercialization stage. The program offers financial and technical assistance to optimize technologies and prepare them for market readiness and eventual industry adoption.
TECHNiCOM provides funding for activities such as pilot testing, market validation, business model verification, and other commercialization-enhancing processes. Through this initiative, DOST-TAPI helps bridge the gap between research and industry by refining technologies for commercial launch. If you are interested in applying for this program, then this guide should help you prepare better.
Program Overview
The Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Program was established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through TAPI to support innovations during their pre-commercialization phase. Its main goal is to help refine, enhance, and prepare locally developed technologies for market readiness, enabling their eventual adoption by industries. The program provides both financial and technical assistance, guided by various legal frameworks to ensure that innovation efforts lead to tangible socio-economic benefits.
It is implemented under:
- DOST Administrative Order No. 007, Series of 2022 (Revised Policy Framework)
- Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (RA 10055)
- Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337)
- DBM-DOST Joint Circular No. 1, Series of 2013
- COA MC 2012-001 and other relevant administrative orders
Features
Some of the features of this program include offering the following support to eligible proponents:
- Financial grants for pre-commercialization activities
- Technical assistance for optimizing technologies
- Support for commercial prototyping
- Funding for pilot-scale or scaled-up testing
- Assistance in technology validation
- Support for market research and market testing
- Business model validation
- Pre-investment studies and analysis
- Guidance in preparing technologies for industry adoption
- Access to expert evaluation panels for technical and commercial viability
- Structured application and monitoring process via DOST’s DPMIS system
- Legal support through a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Covered Activities
TECHNiCOM funds a wide range of pre-commercialization activities, including:
- Commercial prototyping
- Pilot-scale or scaled-up testing
- Technology validation
- Market or field testing
- Market research
- Business model validation
- Pre-investment activities
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the program include:
- Local Research and Development Institutes (RDIs)
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Startups registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Technology spin-offs or cooperatives involved in innovation
- Proponents with technologies previously funded by DOST Regional Offices, RDIs, Service Institutes, or Collegial Bodies
- Startups endorsed by DOST Sectoral Councils or DOST Regional Offices
Note: These groups must be involved in developing technologies ready for pre-commercialization and must meet all eligibility and endorsement requirements.
Who May Apply
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Local Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), or Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with no outstanding obligations to DOST-TAPI. Their research must have been funded by their institution, DOST Regional Offices, DOST RDIs, DOST Service Institutes, or DOST Collegial Bodies.
- Startups, spin-offs, or cooperatives registered with DTI, SEC, or CDA, operating for one to seven years. They must also be free of any outstanding obligations to DOST-TAPI.
- If the startup received R&D funding from a DOST Sectoral Council, endorsement from the same Council is required.
- If the startup did not receive any DOST funding, endorsement from the DOST Regional Office in its business area is necessary.
Note: Technologies previously funded, managed, or monitored by DOST Sectoral Councils are not eligible unless endorsed by the same Council.
Requirements
Before proceeding with the application procedures, interested parties must first prepare the following requirements:
General Documents (all proponents):
- Letter of request addressed to the DOST-TAPI Director
- Endorsement from the agency head of the proponent
- Endorsement from the appropriate DOST Sectoral Council (if applicable)
- Full-blown proposal using the TECHNiCOM format (DOST Form No. 2)
- Line-Item Budget (DOST Form No. 4)
- Work Plan/Gantt Chart (DOST Form No. 5)
- Monthly Cash Program
- Gender and Development Score Sheet
- Letters of interest from cooperating agencies as collaborators or adopters (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae of the project leader and team
Additional for Startups:
- Business registration documents (DTI, CDA, or SEC)
- Authenticated Articles of Incorporation/Cooperation
- Mayor’s/Business permit
- Latest Audited Financial Statement and Income Tax Return
- Board Resolution authorizing a representative (for SEC entities)
- Sworn Affidavit (document authenticity, disclosure of other businesses, and declaration of no conflict of interest with DOST officers)
- Endorsement from business incubation facility (if applicable)
Application Process and Timeline
Applications must be submitted via the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS). The process follows multiple stages:
Step 1. Submission and Preliminary Assessment (5 working days)
- Document intake, routing, and initial validation
Step 2. Formality and Substantive Evaluation (4 working days)
- Presentation and review of proposal completeness and legal validity
Step 3. Commercial Viability Evaluation (6 working days)
- Assessment of market potential by an expert panel
Step 4. Technical Viability Evaluation (6 working days)
- Technical assessment by a separate panel
Step 5. TAPI Executive Committee (EXECOM) Evaluation (9 working days)
- Final review for proposals below PHP 5 million
Step 6. Program Advisory Committee (PAC) Evaluation (4 working days)
- For proposals over PHP 5 million
Step 7. MOA Preparation, Signing, and Notarization (6 working days)
- Legal finalization and fund release preparation
Processing Timeline
The project application duration may vary as follows:
- Proposals disapproved early may take only 9 working days
- Complete approval can take up to 40 working days, depending on endorsement level and fund availability
Note: Proposals not approved for immediate funding may be queued for the next funding cycle.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are evaluated based on:
- Technical Readiness Level (TRL)
- Technical and commercial viability
- Social and environmental relevance
- Proponent’s management capability
Note: Priority is given to projects aligned with national Science and Technology priorities.
Where and How to Submit
Submit your complete proposal via the DOST DPMIS portal. Ensure you check the Call for Proposals page regularly at: http://tapi.dost.gov.ph/call-for-proposals
Video: Together to Get There with DOST-TAPI
The TECHNiCOM Program offers a structured and well-documented support pathway for pre-commercial innovations in the Philippines. Interested RDIs, SUCs, HEIs, and startups are encouraged to prepare a comprehensive proposal and secure the appropriate endorsements to improve their chances of being selected for funding. Watch this video to learn how:
Stay updated with announcements through the official DOST-TAPI channels and the DPMIS portal for upcoming calls and amendments