The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) launched a funding opportunity for startups way back in 2017. Aiming to provide startups with funding for research and development, DOST-PCIEERD called for applications to its Startup Research Grant Program, and received a total of 65 applicants.
In the end, the agency identified 15 qualifiers for the grant. The funding covers prototype improvement, field and validation tests, product market fit studies, certification procedures, provision of experts beyond the startup team, and the acquisition of new customers.
Introducing: the DOST-PCIEERD grantees
Formally announced last November, the startups are:
•MachiBox – The makers of MachiBot, an easy-build, easy-to-program, and cost-effective robotics kit for students and newbies.
•Rurok Industries – A team of biking enthusiasts aiming to deliver performance bikes for recreation and mountaineering that feature their improved suspension system.
•Easybus PH – The brains behind a “single, centralized and synchronized” digital platform for all types of buses that handles the problems of manual booking.
•Retailgate – A retail analytics and market research firm that uses AI to provide tech-based consumer behavior tracking services.
•Grayscale – The creators of the Smart VISION system, an AI-guided system that enables the blind to send emails and perform other similar tasks by providing information on physical objects within their environment.
•Tactiles – A team of Filipino engineers and designers who created the IQUBE, an app-powered educational toy that teaches children about electricity.
•EduSuite – A company that designed an AI-based, time-efficient “next-generation” campus management system.
•Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise, Inc. (FAME) – The team that developed small-scale vessel trackers and monitors to improve communication and safety for small-scale fishers.
•Wela School Systems – The developers of a cloud-based grading platform for students that also provides parents with data on their child’s attendance records and other important school-related updates.
•Kinovett Scientific Solutions – A firm that aims to improve STEM education in the Philippines via hands-on educational biotechnology kits for students.
•Senti Techlabs – A startup that utilizes a machine learning-based language classifier for automatic language detection and provides brands with the means to understand Filipino consumers better.
•Farmwatch Solutions Inc. – Offers a remote monitoring system that connects farms to farmers and simplifies farm management.
•Nanotronics Inc. – The creators of Emtex and Emtex TP, nanotechnology polymers from indigenous crops that enhance the material properties of polymer matrices to which they are blended into.
•Restograph – A startup that uses data analytics to provide restaurants with POS systems to that can generate real-time sales analytics and granular views of daily operations, among other things.
•Smartfox Data Solutions Inc. – A silicon IP and design services provider that supports various stages in the digital integrated circuit design process.
The 15 startups also received support and assistance from Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) funded by DOST. With this, the agency hopes that Filipino startups can be well-equipped to handle challenges in research and development, intellectual property rights, market traction, and business sustainability.
Cover photo: DOST-PCIEERD
References
- Official DOST-PCIEERD press release
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/08/29/1733875/p20-m-fund-set-startup-research-grants
- https://www.rappler.com/technology/news/245338-philippine-startup-week-2019-startups
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
