THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will recognize outstanding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup) during the 2026 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week in November in General Santos City.
Setup helps local enterprises improve productivity and competitiveness through technology assistance, funding, training and technical consultancy.
As of June 2026, the program had assisted more than 80,000 beneficiaries, generated over 41,000 job opportunities and provided P2.9 billion in funding support, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said during the department’s State of the Department Address in June.
The program supports enterprises in agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, forestry, services and other industries by helping them improve product quality, increase production, reduce waste and adopt new technologies.
This year’s awards cover four categories: Championing Innovation and Resource Circularity for Local Enterprises (Circle), Most Industry 4.0-Ready Award (I-Ready), Most Industry 4.0 Champion of Innovation Award (ICON), and Setup Praise.
Last year’s Circle award went to Llouisse and Ai Souvenir Shop in Eastern Visayas for adopting eco-friendly production practices, including material reuse and waste reduction.
Cognitif Inc. in the National Capital Region received the I-Ready award for its readiness to integrate Industry 4.0 technologies into its operations, while Bauertek Farmaceutical Technologies Corp. in Central Luzon won the ICON award for its innovations involving malunggay cultivation and biocharcoal products.
Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. in the Ilocos Region received the Setup Praise award for its productivity, resilience, innovation and adoption of science and technology. The company produces research-based food products, including those aimed at improving children’s nutrition. It was also named a 2025 Presidential Awardee for Outstanding MSMEs.
