DICT, DOST, DTI create committee to steer program for PHL startups
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on March 22 creating the steering committee to “provide strategic guidance and oversight” in implementing the country’s national program for the startup community.
The JAO provides for the designation of one permanent member—either a department undersecretary or assistant secretary—and two regular members from each of the three lead agencies to constitute the committee primarily tasked to “develop, implement and update” the Philippine Startup Development Program (PSDP).
The DTI will serve as the committee’s first chairman, followed by the DOST and then the DICT, each serving on rotation every two years.
The creation of the steering committee is mandated by the implementing rules and regulations (Irr) of republic Act 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act of 2019, which provides “benefits and programs to strengthen, promote and develop the Philippine startup ecosystem.”
Moving forward with innovations
WHILE the Covid-19 pandemic hampered the implementation of the plans and activities under the Innovative Startup Act as “efforts shifted and focused on finding immediate solutions to the current situation,” Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said the three departments “carried on, remaining true to their tasks” with their existing programs and mechanisms to support the startups.
For his part, DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said the passage of the law has institutionalized his department’s programs and projects, “making all our efforts more coordinated, effective and efficient” to further foster the growth of startups.
Inspired by the “agility and resilience” of startups during the pandemic and the assistance of “startup enablers from the private sector,” DTI Secretary ramon M. Lopez said his department will “continue to explore opportunities to promote our startups and enable them to network with potential mentors, funders, and other partners.”
Last year, the country ranked 50th among 131 economies in the world in the overall Global Innovation Index (GII), a marked leap from its 100th ranking in 2014, according to “The Global Innovation Index 2020: Who Will Finance Innovation?” report published by the Cornell University, Insead, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.
De la Peña said that startups will play a major role in “moving further the Philippines’ ranking in the GII in the coming years” as the law provides more support to innovative startups and startup enablers.
Pushing programs, benefits, and incentives
AMONG the chief responsibilities of the nine-member steering committee as defined in the JAO is to issue “appropriate policies, rules, and guidelines” for the coordinated implementation of the program.
The committee is expected to “harmonize and properly align” programs, benefits and incentives given by government agencies to startups and startup enablers, including investors, incubators, and nongovernment organizations.
While promoting access to and facilitating the “immediate and efficient provision” of startup benefits, incentives, and opportunities, the committee will also assess the impact and applicability of these benefits and incentives to the startup community.
The committee will monitor, develop, and expand the programs, benefits and incentives as it issues requirements, process, and granting of applications for these benefits, incentives, and subsidies under the program.
Meeting regularly in every quarter, the committee will also ensure that their respective departments comply with the responsibilities provided under the law and its Irr.
DOST boosts the startups
IN her presentation at the JAO signing, DOST Undersecretary for research and Development rowena Cristina L. Guevara said that “despite challenges posed by travel and trade restrictions” last year, the 15 startups given initial funding of P64 million from the DOST Startup Grant Fund generated P83.4 million in revenues.
Guevara said the startups raised their capital or investment to P45 million, served 328 clients and created 142 jobs.
“Funding opportunities for innovative startups for their research and development activities are needed to ensure a resilient and sustainable economy,” Guevara said.
De la Peña said he plans to sign the guidelines for the Grants-in-aid program for the DOST Startup Grant Fund this March and announce the first batch of grantees in May or June this year.
He added that the DOST will continue to support the startups through its various agencies.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural resources research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology’s assists innovators in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector.
The Philippine Council for Health research and Development supports innovative technologies and services in the health sector.
The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology research and Development backs industry, energy and emerging technologies with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute helping in their requirements for intellectual property protection.
“Through collaborations with the DICT and DTI, we at the DOST believe that startups will spur economic prosperity and introduce technological breakthroughs that can shift and improve our capabilities in fighting the effects of the pandemic and living in a better normal,” Guevara pointed out.