Eighteen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now stronger in their partnership with universities and research and development institutes (RDIs) through the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) funding assistance for research and development (R&D) purposes.
The Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (Cradle) is a program specifically designed to catalyze partnerships in R&D between academic institutions, RDIs and SMEs.
It provides financial grants from DOST to enable SMEs to partner with higher educational institutions or RDIs to find viable solutions to an existing research and development problem in industry.
Among the 18 beneficiaries is the Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative. It is aided by the University of the Philippines in its development of chicken egg white powder and granules from low value edible shell Eggs.
Another beneficiary is the Carolina Bamboo Garden, as it partners with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños in researching about micropropagation of select genetically verified, superior bamboo to protect the environment and develop an alternative wood industry.
There is also the partnership between the University of Mindanao and Monde Nissin Corp. in the fermentation and purification research to produce food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade and polymer-grade lactic acid.
Another is the University of Southeastern Philippines and Hijo Corp. in its research to improve productivity through development of banana diseases-surveillance system.
Through Cradle, the SME states its concern and the academic institution or RDI will solve the problem in partnership with the SME. A Cradle project can have a maximum funding of P5 million, and implemented for a period of one year to three years.
Another financial assistance program is the Business Innovation through S&T for industry. BIST is designed to assist Filipino-owned companies, particularly SMEs, to innovate and develop competitiveness and adapt to changing global dynamics. It will facilitate the acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies by Filipino companies for immediate incorporation in their research and development activities.
Through BIST and Cradle, the DOST aims to invigorate the Philippine innovation ecosystem as it presents the opportunity for collaboration between researchers, scientists and engineers in the academe and local private companies.
The DOST also aims to help the industry gain competitive edge in the market, through the development of innovative products, processes and/or services that are responsive to changing and global dynamics. The DOST is accepting proposals for the BIST and Cradle Program until July 16.
Interested parties may send their inquiries to the Project Management Office, Science for Change Program, at Department of Science and Technology 2/F ADMATEL Bldg., DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City.
They may also send an e-mail at s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph, or call the S4C PMO at (+632) 837-2943 or visit the S4C Facebook page at @dost.s4cp.
S&T Media Service