Local entrepreneurs in the Philippines are being given access to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) laboratories as well as financing to improve their operations and production.
The good news for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) comes at a time while the nation continues to battle the coronavirus disease pandemic that either slowed down or closed businesses.
To help SMEs rise above the challenge, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) is offering assistance to local entrepreneurs who need product testing in laboratories or funds to acquire additional equipment to continue operations.
DOST LABS
Research and development (R&D) needs of SMEs can be addressed by the Strategic Promotion through Integrating Collaboration and Engagement of SMEs to Support the Technology Transfer and Commercialization of DOST-Developed Technologies including Testing Laboratories and Services or #SPICEStoDOSTLabS.
DOST-TAPI Director Edgar I. Garcia said the assistance is being given to help commercialize technologies.
“We can help them improve their products and innovations through our world-class and state-of-the-art laboratory services of our Research and Development Institutes (RDI),” Garcia said.
DOST RDI laboratory services include the following:
- failure analysis
- materials characterization
- proficiency testing
- nutrigenomics
- wood and wood products test
- calibration and metrology
- metallurgical analysis
The assistance of the following DOST institutes can be gained:
- The Advanced Device and Materials Laboratory (ADMATEL) of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is equipped with advanced analytical equipment for failure analysis and materials characterization including surface and thermal analysis, sample preparation, and external visual inspection.
- The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) offers chemical, microbiological, proficiency testing, biochemical, nutrigenomics, and sensory laboratories equipped with equipment and instruments in determining nutrition labeling, toxicants, or contaminants, and food and water safety, among others.
- The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) testing facility includes furniture, plywood, adhesive, housing and construction, and wood and wood product tests.
- The Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) testing facility includes chemical testing, calibration and metrology, corrosion testing, nondestructive testing, mechanical testing, and metallurgical analysis.
- The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) testing facility subsequently offers irradiation facility, radiation protection services, health physics, and isotope techniques.
- The Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) offers physical and chemical testing and evaluation of fiber, yarn, fabric, and allied products, and textile processing.
VENTURE FINANCING
Aside from the laboratory services, DOST-TAPI is providing financial assistance for the fabrication or purchase of major equipment through the Venture Financing Program.
www.tapi.dost.gov.ph
Many entrepreneurs have benefitted from the DOST programs to become successful in their own businesses and even provide solutions to the global health crisis.
Among the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP) partners is the Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise (FAME) which developed a specimen collection booth to be used in COVID-19 mass testing in the Philippines.
Food Processing Innovation Center – Davao (FPIC-Davao) produced Ready-to-Drink beverages as coronavirus Immunity boosting drinks made from local ingredients.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to DOST-TAPI for providing assistance for local businesses to cope with the COVID 19 pandemic.
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