In celebration of the World Space Week, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program showcased on Thursday various opportunities for startups and industries delving in the field of space technology and development.

Dubbed “Start Up in Space: Opportunities for R&D and Commercialization in the Field of Space S&T Applications,” this webinar seeks to create awareness of space, enable startups, and to orient and guide individuals in preparing and submitting proposals on R&D and technology transfer through available funding mechanisms of DOST and PhilSA.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said space technology is the new frontier that Filipino startups and industry players can conquer.

“With the growing demand of space technology but only few key players in the industry, there is a need to strengthen the country's space capability and build more local and international partnerships. This is how startups and industry players come into play as they contribute to economic prosperity by creating jobs, spurring innovation, and generating competition,” he said.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. also emphasized the importance of value creation in the Philippines’ space sector, not just in data utilization or the downstream segment, but also in the upstream segment, such as the design, manufacture and testing of satellite subsystems or components.

“Obtaining knowhow in upstream space technologies and cascading them to local design and manufacturing services will help put us on a path of building stronger industries in aerospace, semiconductor, electronics, mechanical and materials, among others, that enhance our country’s global market position and competitiveness. We want to help create more high value jobs.”

Among the opportunities that were presented in the webinar are the DOST Grants in Aid (DOST-GIA) Program and the Startup Grants Program.

The DOST-GIA Program provides financial grants to higher education institutes and research and development institutes to conduct programs and projects attuned to the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA).

The Startup Grants Program is a partnership program with startups that need financial support for product research and development and market validation studies. The grant covers the strengthening of the startup’s knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP), overcoming research and development (R&D) roadblocks, establishing initial market traction, and refining the startup’s business model.

Through this grant, startups have access to funds for the growth of their business, access to science and technology networks like testing and R&D centers, and access to the services and facilities in DOST-assisted Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).

Paringit urged the participants to take part in the opportunities presented and be a game-changer in the Philippines in the space industry.

“As leader and partner in innovations in the country, we hope our startups and industry players engage us in making innovation work for the people,” he added.