The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is strengthening the health technology sector through its HeaRTNovation Hubs program. 

Empowering institutions to transform health research into technologies helps bring local innovations closer to the everyday healthcare needs of the Filipino.  During the recent 2024 HeaRTNovation Hubs Capacity Building Workshop Phases 3 and 4, held at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on November 11 to 15 2024, the new batch of participating universities and hospitals presented their hubs’ objectives, focusing on building systems that align with national health priorities and support R&D-driven progress.

First, the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) proposed the MAGNUS H-Hub, derived from the Latin word “magnus,” meaning “great,” aims to create a robust health innovation system to accelerate the growth of sustainable health technologies in Central Luzon. The hub’s objectives include publishing an inventory of regional health technology support components, providing a platform for collaboration among innovators, end-users, and industry stakeholders, conducting capacity-building activities focused on health technology business strategies, prototyping, and validation, and supporting the long-term development and pre-commercialization of local health technologies.

Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) proposed the OLFU PHOENIX (Pioneering Health Optimization, Engagement, and Novel Innovation Exchange) Hub, which aspires to promote innovations and advancements in healthcare technology, as well as to generate its outputs that contribute to sustainable and socioeconomic benefits for the community.

Batangas Medical Center (BatMC) presented the Balaraw Health Innovation Hub, drawing inspiration from the balaraw–a traditional Batangas dagger known for its precision and strength. The hub is designed to serve as a center for health innovation in Southern Luzon, with plans to establish partnerships with academic institutions and strengthen clinical trial capabilities. BatMC’s Balaraw Hub also aims to position itself as a testing ground for new health technologies in Region 4A.

Lastly, Centro Escolar University (CEU) proposed the CEU SINTA (Sentro ng INobasyon Tungo sa Agham Pangkalusugan) Hub, which focuses on innovation, knowledge, and technology within the fields of Allied Health Sciences. 

The five pioneer grantees of the PCHRD HeaRTNovation Hubs also shared the accomplishments of their respective hubs. First, the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Discovery and Innovation Hub is working toward institutionalization and branding, and design thinking workshops have already been conducted.  Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) Health Innovation Hub in Bacolod City, meanwhile, has launched a flagship incubator and reverse pitch sessions to build the Negros Island Health Innovation Ecosystem.   The University of Santo Tomas Generating Research Applications, Care, and Enterprise for Health (UST GRACE) Hub has been recently inaugurated as well, secured a dedicated space, trademarked its logo, and plans to benchmark internationally.  Lastly, the Cebu Doctors University (CDU) WISE Innovation Hub has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) on intellectual property (IP) matters, linked with local government units for training, and maintains an IP-focused website. 

The Council’s HeaRTNovation program is providing all new and current institutions and hospitals with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed to make health R&D initiatives into market-ready health technologies. DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Montoya emphasized the program’s importance in connecting health R&D to real-world applications. “The new batch of HeaRTNovation Hubs demonstrate the strength of our local health R&D when paired with the right guidance and resources. I believe the new batch of hubs ensure that its generated healthcare technologies can address public health issues and reach the people who need them most,” Dr. Montoya said.

The Council’s Intellectual Property and Technology Management (IPTM) Lead, Senior Science Research Specialist, Mr. Vincent John H. Tumlos further explained how the new batch hubs align institutional objectives with commercialization processes. “Technology commercialization involves building the right networks, understanding the market, and ensuring that legal and regulatory requirements are met. The HeaRTNovation Hubs provide an environment for these elements to align, supporting teams through each step of the process,” he shared.

The program emphasizes sustainability and alignment with national priorities, such as the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and the Universal Health Care Act. As each hub builds its systems for technology development, intellectual property protection, and market entry, it contributes to a research-driven health sector that benefits Filipino communities. The HeaRTNovation Hubs serve as a reminder that solutions born from health R&D have the capacity to manage health concerns effectively, benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and communities alike.