DOST Propel Business Hub is set to transform how Philippine innovations reach the market, as the Department of Science and Technology launches a new facility designed to connect researchers, startups, and investors in one ecosystem.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially inaugurated the PROPEL Business Hub and Exhibit Center recently at the DOST Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City, reinforcing its commitment to transforming research outputs into viable enterprises and globally competitive products.

The PROPEL Business Hub is envisioned as a dynamic convergence space that connects researchers, inventors, startups, industry leaders, and investors—bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and market adoption. The facility houses a curated technology exhibit center, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated areas for business advisory, pitching sessions, and industry matching activities.

In his message during the launch, the DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of ensuring that government investments in research translate into real-world impact.

“The PROPEL Business Hub represents our firm commitment to move beyond research publication and toward real commercialization. Our goal is clear: Filipino innovations must not remain on the shelves—they must reach the market, create jobs, solve national problems, and compete globally,” the Secretary said.

Solidum further underscored that innovation must be inclusive and responsive to national development priorities in sectors such as AI and Digital Transformation, Semi-Conductor and Electronics Agriculture, Health, Energy, and Environment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications and Commercialization, highlighted the Hub’s role in institutionalizing structured support for science-based enterprises.

“PROPEL is not just a physical space—it is a platform for convergence. It aligns technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and market readiness into one coherent support system. Through this Hub, we are strengthening the entire commercialization pipeline—from idea validation to industry partnership and investment,” Asec. Juanillo explained.

He added that the Exhibit Center will continuously feature high-potential DOST-supported technologies, offering industry partners and investors direct access to ready-to-commercialize solutions developed by Filipino researchers.

The launch event gathered key stakeholders from government agencies, academic institutions, industry groups, and the startup community, signaling strong multi-sectoral support for DOST’s enterprise development agenda.

With the opening of the PROPEL Business Hub and Exhibit Center, DOST advances its broader strategy of integrating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship—ensuring that public investments in science and technology generate tangible economic growth and social benefit for the Filipino people.

The Propel Business Hub and Exhibit Center is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For partnership and exhibit inquiries, interested parties may coordinate with the PROPEL Secretariat under the Technology Transfer, Communications and Commercialization Cluster of DOST. 

Photos by Patrick James Lee C. Alfonso, DOST-STII