DOST Launches TECHGROW for Technology Commercialization

The Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region launched its latest program that aims to fast-track growth opportunities and development in the regions last September 4, 2024 at the B Hotel in Alabang, City of Muntinlupa.

TECHGROW, which stands for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Collaboration and Harmonization of Growing Regional Opportunities on Wealth Creation, was introduced to stakeholders via a two-day project meeting and workshop that was led by the DOST-National Capital Region, in collaboration with the DOST Regional Offices and the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

In her remarks during the program launch, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts of different DOST Regional Offices and attached agencies to further strengthen the transfer of locally available technologies.

TECHGROW is a three-year program that is designed to enhance competencies and expand technology transfer and commercialization initiatives among Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) across the country. It aims to foster the growth and development of these institutions, and enhance their contributions to national progress, through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

The main elements of TECHGROW involve initiatives that will enhance the conversion of research and development into technology transfer and commercialization. This will be done by collaborating with local industries and enhancing regional capabilities for industry-focused technology solutions, as well as the development of S&T and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools for technology assessments and improvements.

The program also aims to foster regional innovation ecosystems that are responsive to market needs, and to continuously improve such ecosystems through systematic evaluation and feedback.

During the project meeting cum workshop, the participants engaged in dynamic discussions on how to refine strategies and promote regional growth through the program. Also discussed were possible activities to encourage and expand technology transfer and commercialization initiatives of LUCs, SUCs, HEIs, and RDIs nationwide.

By: Pinky Marcelo, SCCU