NEDA seeks proposals for innovation grants

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is seeking proposals from government agencies for innovation grants this year.

NEDA said in a notice posted on its website that it has opened the call for proposals for this year’s grants for programs, activities and projects that promote innovation until June 13.

“The funding support threshold for the implementation of new or existing innovation-related programs, activities, and projects shall not exceed P5 million,” NEDA said.

Earlier, NEDA said P100 million is being made available this year under the national budget to support innovation programs, activities and projects in accordance with Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act, which recognizes the importance of innovation in national development and sustainable economic growth.

NEDA is authorized to issue grants for innovation programs, activities and projects, subject to guidelines issued by the agency with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The innovation grants are open to government agencies including departments, bureaus, offices, local government units, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or controlled corporations.

Proposals for the grant should be in line with the themes of the Philippine Innovation Act such as micro, small and medium enterprise innovation, regional innovation and cluster policy, strategic research, development and engineering, innovation centers and business incubators, innovation instruments, diaspora for innovation, advocacy and community education, and with the priority areas in the National Innovation Agenda Framework.

“The proposal must exhibit novelty, relevance to the constituency’s needs, and the ability to create new opportunities for economic growth or social development. It must also be viable and sustainable, and its expected outcomes must result in positive changes for the target beneficiaries,” NEDA added.

It also said the proposed activities need to be gender-responsive, gender-sensitive or with promising gender and development components.

In addition, the proposals need to be endorsed by the head of the agency.

“The proposed program, activity, and components must be completed within 12 months, on or before Sept. 30, 2024,” NEDA said.