The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched a program aimed at transforming local innovations into globally competitive enterprises.

PROPEL, or “Accelerating Innovation in the Philippines, Propelling Innovation from the Philippines” was introduced to stakeholders in Southern Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday during the Zonal Conference at the Batangas State University. The program seeks to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and market success.

The conference gathered representatives from state universities, higher education institutions, regional innovation committees, business chambers, and private enterprises.

In his message, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the PROPEL program embodies a strategic shift focusing not just on the development of science-based technology solutions but ensuring that it reaches end-users, transforms markets, and creates impact locally and globally.

“Science and technology driven innovation is the cornerstone of social and economic transformation… PROPEL is designed to accelerate this transformation by aligning our programs and services at the [DOST] with the needs of communities, businesses, and industries,” he said.

Solidum said DOST envisions a more proactive role in understanding market demands, guiding research and development, and facilitating technology transfer.

For his part, Asst. Secretary Napoleon Juanillo Jr. underscored PROPEL’s goal of unifying the department’s resources, services, and facilities into a cohesive support system for technology-driven enterprises.

“It is not just commercialization that we are talking about, it is also about ensuring that the products can really uplift [the] livelihood, health, and well-being of families, communities, and individuals,” he said.

He described PROPEL as a commercialization arm dedicated to transforming scientific breakthroughs into thriving global enterprises, producing locally relevant yet globally competitive and profitable innovations.

The program prioritizes science-based technologies addressing critical needs in health and wellness, agriculture and food security, environmental sustainability, information and communication technology (ICT), energy and transportation.

It also supports innovators in showcasing their products at international exhibitions to attract global investors.

The DOST launched first the program in December 2024 and held its first zonal conference in Baguio City for the north Luzon stakeholders last month. (PNA)