2026 Call for Proposal for the PCIEERD Startup Grant Fund Program

About

The 2026 DOST-PCIEERD Startup Grant Fund call offers Philippine-registered technology startups up to PHP 5 million in R&D funding to translate early-stage prototypes into market-ready products and services.

Benefits

• 💸Up to PHP 5 million in grant funding
  Selected startups may receive funding support of up to PHP 5 million for R&D activities, for a maximum project duration of 18 months.
• 🧭R&D project support
  The funding is intended to help startups overcome R&D roadblocks, strengthen intellectual property, establish initial market traction, refine the business model, and prepare a Business Continuity Plan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: legally registered with the DTI or SEC for at least 1 year and no more than 7 years, provided the business model has not been established.
• Mandatory: have an early-stage prototype or proof of concept; ideas or mere concepts are not allowed.
• Mandatory: demonstrate capability to conduct R&D and differentiate research from regular business operations, subject to ownership and nationality requirements under the Philippine Constitution and pertinent laws, including RA 10055.
• Mandatory: have legal personality to issue an Official Receipt for grants-in-aid.
• Preferred: qualified startups, especially those located in any DOST-supported Technology Business Incubator, are eligible to apply.
• Mandatory for GovTech priority-area applicants: have ongoing procurement talks with 2–3 government offices and provide a letter from the partner LGU or government office with the required endorsement and commitments.
• Mandatory for FASTRAC spin-off track applicants: meet the SGF minimum requirements and have a Financial Statement for at least 1 year, ongoing procurement talks with 2–3 potential clients, and a partner letter with endorsement and commitments.

Participation Commitments

• Prepare a Capsule Proposal containing the required project, startup, product, market, IP, research, work-plan, CV, and line-item budget information.
• Submit the editable Capsule Proposal in Word format to PCIEERD by email from 22 June to 15 July 2026.
• Attend the Capsule Proposal Submission and One-on-One Review from 22 June to 15 July 2026.
• Attend the SGF Bootcamp scheduled in NCR on 10–11 June 2026, Bicol on 25–27 June 2026, Bacolod on 1–2 July 2026, and General Santos on 15–17 July 2026.
• Submit the Full-Blown Proposal through the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) from 1 July to 31 July 2026.
• Register and create a DPMIS account, select Type of Proposal as PCIEERD GIA Program/Project (2023 Funding), and select Classification as New Proposal.
• Submit required documents including the DOST Proposal Form, Workplan, Endorsement of Head of Agency, Gender and Development Score Sheet, and Curriculum Vitae of the Project Leader; no additional attachments are permitted.
• During evaluation, submit authenticated DTI or SEC registration documents, business permit and licenses, latest Income Tax Returns and audited financial statements or other financial reports, disclosure of other businesses, and sworn affidavits from owners/incorporators/stockholders/organizers/partners/directors/officers.
• Project implementation or date of engagement is scheduled to start in November 2026.

Target Sector

Education, Government & Public Sector, Media & Entertainment, Other, Transportation & Logistics

Target Location

Philippines, Applicants must be startups legally registered with the DTI or SEC for 1 to 7 years and comply with Philippine ownership and nationality requirements under the Philippine Constitution and pertinent laws, including RA 10055.