DOST-FPRDI rolls out technology thru incubation program Philippine | 02/02/2021
A Laguna-based agro-forest farm will soon learn the process of making antimicrobial soaps and hand mists developed by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI).
This, after the DOST-FPRDI partnered with the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) in providing technical assistance to Adoress Farm.
The initiative is under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
DOST-FPRDI’s technical expert, Dr. Jennifer P. Tamayo, will train Adoress Farm staff in developing the anti-microbial soaps and hand mists using their own plant materials. The Institute will also provide business development services and access to testing laboratories.
Supporting small enterprises
According to Dr. Noel Catibog, Chief of DOST-PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, Technology Business Incubation (TBI) hopes to accelerate the transfer and commercialization of research-based outputs in the country.
“TBI is an innovative process where an institution supports start-ups by providing them necessary technical and business development services,” explained Catibog.
The DOST-FPRDI has its own TBI called the “Peak Three”.
Established in 2019 with funding grant from DOST-PCAARRD, Peak Three is intended as a support system for small or starting wood and non-wood forest products enterprises.
Among its services are assistance thru various wood and non-wood processing technologies; linkage with investors; assistance in intellectual property protection; mentoring on business management, marketing and finance; and technology training and testing services.
First of its kind
Catibog shared that the partnership between two or more TBIs— such as the case between DOST-FPRDI and LSPU— is the first of its kind in the country.
Known as co-incubation, this collaboration is seen to bring “access to a wide range of services, larger pool of technical experts and network of investors and partners; better benefit-sharing of knowledge, facilities and equipment; and higher promotion of technology commercialization.”
According to DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan, the co-incubation initiative is an “excellent pathway for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Research & Development Institutes to commercialize their technologies and collaborate in research and product development.”
“We are encouraging start-ups or small wood and non-wood forest products enterprises to check out DOST-FPRDI’s TBI. The Institute will be glad to assist you in moving your business to the next level,” he ended.
Interested parties may contact DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan at info@fprdi.dost.gov.ph or fprdi@dost.gov.ph. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)