GOVPH

By Mirielle Vacal

DOST-TAPI’s Honing Innovations, Research, Agreements, and Negotiations of the Government-Funded Technologies (HIRANG) 2.0 Program is now on its second cohort in partnership with QBO Innovation.  It is opening its platform to wider participation from DOST RDIs to DOST Regional Offices nationwide.  The second batch of HIRANG 2.0 trainees started its first of seven phases last October 28, 2024, to October 30, 2024, at the Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila.

The Making of HIRANG 2.0

“The pandemic was part of the motivation to create this program because it made a huge impact on our Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), hindering their progress to work their way to leverage their spin-offs...” stated Mr. Rodel Oracion, Senior Science Specialist and Project Leader of HIRANG 2.0, telling the story behind the development of the said program.

Last May 2022 during the Launching of the DOST-TAPI Roadmap and Stakeholders’ Recognition at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, DOST-TAPI introduced HIRANG 2.0 and its new programs, particularly IPRAP and MAP.  HIRANG 2.0 was guided by the Republic Act 10055 otherwise known as the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” and anchored by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 7459 otherwise known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines”; which urges the DOST RDIs to adopt robust Intellectual Property Rights Management and technology transfer policies, empowering researchers to embark on their entrepreneurial ventures. 

To mitigate the difficulties of the low rate of technology adoption and transfer and the constraints of putting up a spin-off such as demand-side weaknesses, limited support, and market demand,  DOST-TAPI’s Investment and Business Operations Division (IBOD) crafted this program.

A Glimpse of the First Cohort of HIRANG 2.0

This August 2024, in partnership with the Embiggen Group, the first cohort of HIRANG 2.0 graduated and presented their spin-offs; four (4) DOST-Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) namely PNRI, FNRI, FPRDI, and ASTI showcased their remarkable technologies, inventions, and innovations. 

From March to June 2024, they were able to complete the Program and were able to prepare initial spin-off works such as pitch decks, business cases, business model canvas, value proposition canvas, and concepts.  Not only were the participants equipped with proper knowledge related to business development, financial management, and financial projections, but they were also able to acquire the GIMI-Level-1 Certification, an internationally recognized certification as Innovation Professionals.

The following details below identify the members per each RDI and the presentations they made: 

Notable judges and experts from the field of business to marketing, particularly, Mr. Raymund Acedera, Co-Founder & Director of Brandev Insights & Consulting, Mr. Donn Gamboa, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of White Cloak Technologies, and Mr. Don Padilla, CFO of PRC Logistics and CFO of FleetHive, Harvard Innovation Labs were invited to choose the “Best Pitch” and “Best Pitcher” from this event which DOST-PNRI landed on this award and DOST-PNRI's Mr. Ronald Alan S. Pinzon. 

“I would say that HIRANG offers an incredible opportunity for you and it is a privilege. Don’t take it for granted. This will provide you with all the skills and networks that will not only help your career as a scientist and a researcher but also some life skills that you cannot learn from the university.  For TAPI, job well done, and keep up the good work. I hope to work with you closely in the future!” sound bytes from Mr. Ronal Alan S. Pinzon’s interview during the HIRANG 2.0 Program Phase 6 and 7 Culminating Activity.

“Beyond today's achievements, this event marks a new beginning – a commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where a research outcome meets entrepreneurship.  Our journey does not end here; rather, it opens a new chapter where the HIRANG 2.0 Program and other initiatives by DOST-TAPI will continue to provide support and opportunities for our spin-off companies..” soundbites from DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, CESO III, during her Opening Remarks at the said event last August 2024. 

Meet the Next Batch of HIRANG 2.0

With the continuing support made by DOST-TAPI and this year’s collaboration with QBO Innovation and Ideaspace, the second wave of innovators, inventors, researchers, and technopreneurs were proudly named during the first stage of HIRANG 2.0 Cohort 2. The following names will be the torch of innovation, driving forward our nation's development and prosperity.

The Future of Spin-offs

“Your journey through the HIRANG 2.0 Program is not just about personal success; it is about contributing to a legacy of progress for our communities and our nation”, Chief Manager of the Investment and Business Operations Division (IBOD) of DOST-TAPI last October 25, 2024. As we look towards the future, the HIRANG 2.0 Program is proposed to propel the Philippines into a new era of innovation.  Through nurturing a pipeline of talented individuals and supporting promising spin-off companies, DOST-TAPI aims to solidify the nation’s position as a global leader in science, technology, and innovation.

The next phase of this program will continue this 13th of December 2024 named HIRANG 2.0 Cohort 2 Demo Day.  To know more about the updates on HIRANG 2.0 and DOST-TAPI’s programs and services, visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI) and LinkedIn page (https://bit.ly/TAPILINKEDIN).