FOUR universities in Davao region signed agreements with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development to boost the establishment of their Technology Business Incubators.

The Philippine Women’s College of Davao and the University of Immaculate Concepcion will receive funding to operate their respective TBIs. Meanwhile, the Ateneo de Davao University and the Davao Del Norte State College signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a 2-year facilitation of their prospective TBIs through a series of capacity building activities.

The DOST allotted P220 million for the TBIs.

Through the program, HEIs are expected to strengthen startups in the region by developing their business-related competencies and enhancing their skills in managing technology-related products and services, networking and establishing a culture of technopreneurship for economic and industrial development.

The DOST assists three TBIs in Davao region — the UPGraDE program of UP Mindanao, the UMasenso Hub of the University of Mindanao, and AGILab by the University of Southeastern Philippines.

The support for qualified Higher Education Institutions is part of the Handholding Starting Incubators for Readiness towards Innovation and Technopreneurship program of the DOST.