DOST introduces TBIs to tech startups

CEBU CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Central Visayas introduced the first Philippine Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to tech-startups for them to embrace innovations in digital technology that could solve real business problems and improve productivity in all aspects in business.

DOST-7 regional director Edilberto Paradela told The Manila Bulletin that around P88 million have already been spent since 2009 for 200 TBI startups, thus, helping 13 universities in the establishment and operation of the TBIs in the country.

Paradela said TBIs are office spaces that provide knowledge and skills to nurture technology-based startups for them to succeed and self-sustaining in business.

TBIs also provide facilities and services that include mentoring, training, marketing, networking, Investigatory Project (IP) strategy and protection that will create jobs, develop entrepreneurs, and promote public-private partnerships, Paradela added.

Paradela said that, in Cebu, one of the successful TBIs established was the UP-Cebu Business Incubator for Information Technology (UP-CebuinIT) which helped the IT students in UP-Cebu to successfully commercialize technology innovations.