DEPDev: 11 projects to get innovation grant

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) on Thursday said the Executive Technical Board of its National Innovation Council (NIC) has approved 11 new projects to receive grant funding under the 2025 Innovation Grants.

In a news release, the DEPDev said the 11 projects are designed to strengthen local communities and industries, enhance public service delivery, restore and protect vital ecosystems, and advance safety and resilience, among others.

The chosen government entities’ submitted project proposals for innovative programs, activities, or projects would receive up to P7.5 million in funding support from the NIC.

The 11 innovation grant-recipient projects are:

• Development of an AI-driven i-Tour IMS: A Smart Integrated Tourism Management System for Enhancing Tourism Governance and Service Delivery in the Caraga Region - Caraga State University 
• Enhancement of the CLSU Sensory and Consumer Science Laboratory and Accelerated Food Product Development for Central Luzon MSMEs - Central Luzon State University
• AI-Driven 360-degree Fire Detection and Semi-autonomous Response System for Urban Communities - Colegio de Muntinlupa
• CoralTech: Developing Scalable 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Systems to Support Marine Ecosystem Recovery and Livelihood Innovation - Davao Oriental State University 
• From Pineapple Leaf Fiber to Auxiliary Packaging: Development of Partition Board and Cushion Pads for Transport Packaging Applications for Fresh Produce - Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Industrial Technology Development Institute
• Revitalizing the Romblon Marble Industry through Innovation Culture, Capacity Building, and Digital Transformation - DOST-PSTO Romblon
• Project U.N.L.A.D: Unified Network for Livelihood and Aftercare Service Delivery; A Smart Approach to Reimagining 4Ps - Local government unit of Dolores, Quezon
• Naga City AI City Planner: AI-Empowered People-Centric Sustainable Transport and Land Use Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation System for Naga City - Local government unit of Naga City
• Pre-commercialization of BahuraKrete: Advancing Coral Reef Restoration with 3D-Printed and/or Precast Lightweight Foamed Concrete Artificial Reefs with Circular Fish Foaming Agent and Agro-Industrial Wastes - Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology 
• Pre-Commercialization of KALASAG: Advancing Climate-Resilient Slope Stabilization and Landslide Mitigation Using Geopolymer-Nanocomposite Reinforced Coir Geonets - Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and
• Fabrication and Assembly of CSU’s Converted Tricycle (C-Trike) Technology: Collaborative Research in the Field of Smart Mobility - Western Mindanao State University.

“These Innovation Grants are a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Filipinos, providing the tools and support needed to transform innovative ideas into real solutions for our communities,” said DEPDev Secretary and NIC Vice-Chair Arsenio Balisacan.

The selection of the 11 projects are aligned with the objectives of Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act, the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, and the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) for 2023–2032.

The DEPDev said the grant funding-approved initiatives “exemplify Filipino creativity and ingenuity in responding to local needs and addressing emerging challenges.”

“We look forward to seeing these projects strengthen local industries, improve public services, and enhance resilience, demonstrating how innovation can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Philippines,” Balisacan said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News