SETUP

Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is DOST's nationwide strategy to encourage and assist the local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to implement technological innovations and improvements in their operations. The program enables the firms to address their technical problems through DOST technology transfer and technical interventions. The activity improves on the aspects of operation such as productivity, product quality, manpower development, cost of production, waste management and other operation related activities. The program helps modernize the production line of the firms and indirectly stimulate the country's economic growth.

General Objective: Improve viability of small and medium enterprises and enhances their competitiveness through infusion of technologies, technical assistance, and manpower development

Specific Objectives:

1. Improve productivity of participating enterprises
2. Higher quality products meeting world standards
3. Increase employment opportunities in rural areas
4. Improve socio-economic conditions in rural areas

Priority Sectors:

The program supports MSMEs belonging to the following priority industry sectors:

1. Food
2. Gifts and Holiday Decors (GHD)
3. Furniture
4. Marine and Aquatic Resources
5. Horticulture (cut flowers, fruits, and high-valued crops)
6. Metals and Engineering

Strategies/Interventions:

The following are the major components which the qualified MSMEs may avail as part of the assistance under the program:

A. Provision of Technology

• Technology needs assessment, sourcing and installation of technology
• Seed fund for technology acquisition
• Human resource development (training of workers)
• Productivity consultancy and technical advisory services

B. Product Standards and Testing

• Laboratory upgrading to include shelf-life analysis and nutritional labeling facilities and ISO accreditation
• Product testing and enhancement of DOST testing laboratories
• Product standards

C. Packaging and Labeling

• Development of functional package designs and identification of alternative packaging materials using local resources
• Development of appropriate labels for priority products especially ethnic food products
• Establishment of packaging and labeling centers in the region

D. Database Management and Information System

• List of available technologies
• List of S&T experts
• Directory of testing laboratories with testing services offered
• Networking with other relevant databases (e.g., DBP, DTI and other offices)

Who may apply?

• Any company or individual firm that is based in the Philippines and wholly owned by Filipino citizens;
• Any micro, small and medium scale business firm that can be classified under the identified priority sectors;
• Individual firm that is willing to apply technological improvements in their existing operations.