The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) will start accepting proposals for its services under the Intellectual Property and Technology Management (IPTM) Unit this 1 September 2022, as announced during the IPTM Call Conference held online last 9 August 2022.

To boost the utilization of health technologies and innovations, the DOST-PCHRD, through its IPTM Unit, recently launched new programs that aim to address research utilization gaps experienced by technology generators and innovators. “We envision more research-based health solutions in the market and ultimately, in our communities making Filipino lives better,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya on the Council’s goals for the implementation of its research utilization efforts. 

Overview of the IPTM’s Unit’s programs and application processes for each program were discussed during the conference. The programs included in the call are the following:

• Intellectual Property Protection And Management Of Health Research Outputs Program (IPROTECH)

This provides IP-related services and assistance to PCHRD RHRDC members to help them protect, commercialize, and manage their health innovations. Specific services under the program include development of institutional IP policies, establishment of institutional technology transfer processes, securing IP protection, securing IP valuation and freedom to operate (FTO) reports, and drafting of licensing agreements.

• Startup Research Grant Program (SGP)

The program supports research activities of startups in the health sector. It was launched in 2021 in support of Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act which mandates the DOST to promote the Philippine startup ecosystem among Filipino startups. 

• Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health (TEKI in Health)

This assists researchers and research institutions who plan to have their health or health care innovations utilized through community adoption or the creation of spin-off companies. 

In anticipation of the call for proposals, DOST-PCHRD Research Information, Communication, and Utilization Division (RICUD) Chief Ullyann Garcia encouraged stakeholders to participate and submit proposals. “Having witnessed your interest and support in today’s activity, I am optimistic that this upcoming round of call for proposals will be a productive and fruitful one,” she said. 

During the event, the Council also launched the DOST-PCHRD’s Innovation Portfolio, HeaRTNovation. The portfolio contains the DOST-PCHRD supported innovations that are fully-commercialized ready for adoption, and currently in the pre-commercialization stage. HeaRTNovation can be accessed here: https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/heartnovation/

For inquiries regarding the IPTM’s call for proposals, you may contact: iptm@pchrd.dost.gov.ph.