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MAKATI CITY — As it marked its 16th anniversary, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Innovation Council, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) highlighted its continued support for technologies and innovations that can help improve lives, strengthen industries, and prepare the Philippines for the future.
Since 2011, DOST-PCIEERD has supported 474 projects in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and Industry 4.0. As of 2025, it has backed 47 AI projects worth Php1.6 billion. These projects are helping address important needs in health, education, transportation, the environment, disaster risk reduction, and industry.
These early initiatives became the strong foundation as DOST launched EleV8PH in 2025 as its flagship initiative to accelerate science, technology, and innovation (STI) frontiers for national development. Through EleV8PH, DOST is harmonizing frontier technology investments across its agencies to create a more coordinated and impactful national innovation ecosystem.
This includes PCIEERD’s investments in AI, Industry 4.0, and quantum technologies; AI-driven agriculture initiatives under DOST-PCAARRD; AI-enabled healthcare and biomedical research supported by DOST-PCHRD; and advanced digital infrastructure and AI-enabling technologies developed by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI).
By aligning these complementary initiatives under a common strategic framework, EleV8PH strengthens the country’s capacity to develop, deploy, and scale frontier technologies for inclusive and sustainable national development.
The country is also beginning to explore quantum technology, a field that can support faster computing, more secure communication, and more precise measurements in the future. To help guide this effort, PCIEERD is developing a Quantum Science and Technology Roadmap with targets up to 2035.
To build local capability in this area, the Council invested Php18 million in the Quantum and Intelligent Systems Laboratory for Power Engineering (QISLaP) at the Technological Institute of the Philippines–Manila. It also supported the Quantum Innovation Laboratory at ASTI, one of the country’s pioneering facilities for quantum-related research and development.
“Emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to address long-standing challenges”
PCIEERD advances the modernization and digital transformation of Philippine industries through the strategic monitoring of research and development (R&D) initiatives that promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing systems. As the Council responsible for monitoring DOST-supported R&D investments in the industry sector, PCIEERD ensures the effective implementation, accountability, and intended outcomes of high-impact initiatives, including the Php50-million Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL) and the Connected and Unified Autonomous Technologies with Automation and Robotics (CUATRO) Program.
These initiatives strengthen the innovation capacity of industries, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by facilitating access to advanced manufacturing technologies and enabling greater productivity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness, and are helping build a stronger innovation ecosystem and preparing the country for the next stage of industrial development.
“The next chapter of DOST-PCIEERD will not simply be measured by the technologies it supports or the projects it funds, it will be measured by the lives it improves, the opportunities it creates, and the future it helps build for the Filipino people. May this anniversary serve as a renewed commitment to make innovations work for the Filipino people,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. in his keynote message during the 16th Anniversary Celebration held at Fairmont Makati on June 29, 2026.
The Council has also supported better public service decision-making and delivery through the Good Governance Through Data Science and Decision Support System (GODDESS) Program. GODDESS has enabled 28 projects worth Php35.7 million, supporting tools that help government and partner institutions use data for healthcare, social welfare, agriculture, scholarship management, competitiveness monitoring, and aid distribution.
“Behind every R&D project we support is the hope of making daily life better for Filipinos, whether through better public services, stronger industries, improved livelihoods, or more resilient communities. This remains the driving force behind DOST-PCIEERD’s investments in R&D,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Leah J. Buendia.
These investments are already producing results. Since 2017, DOST-PCIEERD has helped commercialize 52 technologies, supported 82 startups that have collectively generated more than Php1.86 billion in revenue, and established 67 research and development laboratories across the country. It also supports 59 Technology Business Incubators that help startups and innovators turn ideas into viable products and services.
“Emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to address long-standing challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and public services. The Council’s continued R&D investment ensures continued support to Filipino researchers and institutions can help meet the country’s evolving needs,” said PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director and OIC, Eng’r. Niñaliza C. Escorial. (/)