The Department of Science and Technology- Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) is ready to assist owners of forest products business who are mulling over to explore its latest technology business incubation (TBI) program.
“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,” DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan said in a statement, after the DOST-FPRDI and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) inked a memorandum of agreement on TBIs Co-Incubation with the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Laguna-based Adoress Farm on January 26.
According to Aggangan 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.”
The Jan. 26 signing of the co-incubation pact stands to benefit Adoress Farm, a Laguna-based agro-forest farm.
It will soon learn the process of making antimicrobial soaps and hand mists developed by the DOST-FPRDI through the TBI program, the DOST said.
DOST-FPRDI and Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) are expected to provide technical assistance to Adoress Farm under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of the DOST-PCAARRD.
The DOST-FPRDI noted that its technical expert, Dr. Jennifer P. Tamayo is set to train the staff of the Adoress Farm in developing the antimicrobial soaps and hand mists using their own plant materials.
"The institute will also provide business development services and access to testing laboratories,” it said.
Dr. Noel Catibog, chief of DOST-PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, cited that the TBI program aims to expedite 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,” he said.
The DOST-FPRDI said it has own TBI called the “Peak Three”, which serves as a support system for small or starting wood and non-wood forest products enterprises.
Established in 2019, Peak Three is funded under DOST-PCAARRD, The DOST-FPRDI said among its services are assistance through 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.
Catibog said the partnership between two or more TBIs— such as the case between DOST-FPRDI and LSPU, which is the first of its kind in the country, is expected 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.”