The National Innovation Council (NIC) approved several project proposals geared towards developing “innovative solutions,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.
In a briefing, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the 25-member council chaired by President Marcos approved on Tuesday, Feb 21, 19 projects costing P115 million, all of which are funded by "innovation grants.”
“Majority of which sought to address the pre-commercialization and commercialization requirements of innovative products or services, the enhancement of innovation facilities and services, and the conduct of capacity-building activities,” Balisacan said.
Based on the list provided by NEDA, the approved projects are the Project SciNing - Cultivating Ingenuity, Creativity and Awareness through Experiential Learning, Innovations and Promotions.
The Establishment of PCHRD Health Research and Technology Innovation Hubs (HeaRTNovation Hubs): Expanding the TEKI in Health Program among Health Institutions.
The Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND): Bringing Science and Technology (S&T) closer to the Margins.
These first three projects will be implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and Regional Office XI.
The NIC also approved the Pilot Testing and Commercialization of Micro Impeller Rice Mill of the Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization
The Vizcaya Optimization of Incubation Centers for Economic Sustainability (VOICES) of Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya was also approved along with the Water Collection System with Treatment Facility at Brgy. Yabawon and Tan-Ag of Municipality of Banton, Romblon
Also included are the Farmers Information and Technology Service Center (FITS) Innovation Program of Provincial Government of Camiguin, and the Naga City Startup Ecosystem Development Program of Naga City Startup Ecosystem Development Program.
In addition to the list are the Industrial Designing and Finalization of Production Drawings for the Commercialization of BUHAWI of the DOST Metals Industry R&D Center and Information System on Transport Operation in Puerto Princesa.
The Establishment and Operationalization of Ilocos Norte MSME Incubation Center (IN-MIC) of Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Enhancing the Capacity of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies (ReSET) Center of DOST Regional Office XI were also approved.
Also listed are the BARACO - Batangas Animal Movement Reporting Approach to Control Diseases of the Provincial Government of Batangas and Improvement of the Single Row Push-type Plot Seeder with Mechatronic Seed Feeding Device for Corn (Zea Mays L.) Field Breeding Experiment of South Cotabato State College.
Moreover, the Implementation of Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development (iSTART) Program with Indoor Farming Technology of DOST Regional Office VIII and Building Roadmaps for Resilient Philippine Creative Cities were approved.
The NIC approved the Exploring and Mainstreaming the Use of Natural Water Treatment Methods to Improve Drinking Water Quality of the DILG Central Office, and Cavite Product Innovation Program for MSMEs of Provincial Government of Cavite.
Lastly, the i-LINK: Integration of Localized Maritime Information Systems for a Comprehensive Nautical Knowledge Base of University of the Philippines Diliman secured the NIC nod.