The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), through the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), continues to strengthen efforts in commercializing technologies generated by researchers through funding assistance.
The FASTRAC or Funding Assistance for Spinoff and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization is a “researcher/technology-focus” program established to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization of DOST PCIEERD-funded technologies and is designed to translate research outputs into market ready products or simulate a startup operation thru a spin-ˇoff project for a period of one year. The fund assistance aims to:
- Validate the problem, market, product and willingness to pay for the services/technologies from DOST-PCIEERD funded research
- Translate research outputs into products and/or services
- Provide support for researchers and/or their teams to spin-ˇoff or startup
- Connect researchers to business support groups in commercializing technologies
Through this program, five (5) DOST-PCIEERD-funded technologies are now establishing their spin-off companies. These are:
- CATCH-ALL (De La Salle University) – CATCH-ALL or Contactless Apprehension of Traffic Violators, is a Vision-Based Artificial Intelligence Analytics Software for Traffic and Transport Applications. Under the CATCH ALL system, all types of vehicles and violations will be detected via its smart camera video capture. The system will display the vehicle’s detection and tracking, profiling, plate localization and plate character recognition for more detailed traffic violation identification.
- CharM (UP-Diliman) - CharM or Charging in Minutes is a system for fast charging electric vehicles (EVs) that are using the Lithium-ion battery storage technology. CharM provides an alternative charging strategy that eliminates the need for several hours in order to fully charge an EV. The conventional 4-6 hours in slow charging is reduced to less than an hour or even a matter of minutes for smaller vehicles.
- USHER (Mapua University) - Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System (USHER) is a building structure health monitoring system composed of an accelerograph / sensor web portal system. The patent-pending technology can be installed in buildings of all types, allowing building managers to monitor the structural integrity of the building, and ensure economical and hassle-free compliance with Philippine government regulators. Unlike existing products. USHER has streamlined and tailored the system to the local market, making it remarkably lower in cost while still offering a complete solution to ensure business continuity
- FISH-I (UP-Diliman) – Fish-I is a fish census hardware-software technology that allows for rapid reef assessment. It utilizes an underwater camera that records along a transect of a fishing site then analyzes the footage into data that can easily be viewed and understood by users on a computer. The data gathering is done in minutes and covers a total distance of 50 meters. The system generates automated data for: Fish Count, Fish Population Density, Fish Identification, Fish Length, Fish Biomass
- Smart Surface (UP-Diliman) – An electronic sensor system that can convert virtually any flat surface into an interactive interface. Also, a system composed of a number of sensors and a central controller and more affordable and robust than Smart board. Smart Surface boasts for its distinct features that can compete with the already existing products in the market. Its content can be customized according to the client’s preference; it is portable; it can be installed in existing surfaces; and most importantly, it is low-cost with speedy after-sales support in cases of replacement, repair services, or technical help.
The USHER spin-off was formally launched by Mapua University last September 2, 2019 while the CharM, Fish-I and Smart Surface spin-offs were launched by UP Diliman last October 7, 2019. The Catch-All spin-off on the other hand is targeted to be launched by the DLSU this November. Aside from these five technologies, the FASTRAC Program is also funding two technologies: Marine Nanocoat (DLSU) and Monascus Colorants (UPLB) under its translation track to translate these research outputs into market-ready products.
According to Ms. Russell Pili, Chief of Research Information and Technology Transfer Division of DOST-PCIEERD, the FASTRAC is a follow-up program for handholding technologies until commercialization. “It is basically a funding mechanism that pushes our researchers to pursue commercialization of their projects and also eases their researches into the field of doing business,” she added.
To avail of the funding, the following requirements must be complied:
- Must be a DOST-PCIEERD R&D grantee;
- Must have an accomplished invention disclosure form or IP inventory form submitted to the University IP Office;
- Must submit an Endorsement/ support letter from the University IP Office;
- Startups who already registered but who are recipients of a university license on a DOST-PCIEERD-ˇfunded technology, must submit an authenticated copy of the latest Articles of Incorporation or Business permits, License Agreement.
The DOST-PCIEERD Technology Transfer Division is targeting twenty-one (21) technologies to be funded under the FASTRAC Program in the next three years. Interested researchers may contact the Chief of RITTD, Ms. Russell Pili at 837-2071 local 2102 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
