iSTART - Leyte

WHAT IS iSTART?

Recognizing the important role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in empowering local industries and improving the quality of life of the people, the DOST, thru its Regional Offices, is implementing the program Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Development or iSTART Program in 4 pilot provinces across the country. This program aims to support balanced development geographically by accelerating regional growth through science, technology, and innovation following the DOST-PLANADES Development Model.

Our Services

iSTART Services

Rationale

More than half of the population of the country resides in the regions outside of ..read more

Goals and Objectives

The main objective of the program is to support balanced development geographically ..read more

Strategic Framework

The program shall adopt a dynamic and continual strategy involving science-based ..read more

Program Implementation

This starts with the selection and adoption of the provinces based on the top 20 ..read more

Activities

Activities of the iSTART Program include: (1) identification of investors/technopreneurs, ..read more

NEWS & ARTICLES

Latest News and Updates

DOSTv to feature One of Leyte's iSTART Initiatives, the Intelligent Green Box (IGB) Project

2022-09-19 08:20:33

DOST 8 help updating meeting with iSTART Leyte Consultant, Gears-up for Implementation of Spin-off Projects with the Provincial Government of Leyte

2022-09-15 09:26:02

iSTART Leyte, National Academy of Science and Technology hosted a Zoom-based forum on Addressing Poultry Operation Concerns

2022-10-06 04:16:54

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is iSTART?

To ensure inclusive growth, equitable distribution of wealth and attainment of rural prosperity, there is a need to develop areas outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) through increased investments that will support the growing populations including increased migrations to the region. Brought about by the COVID -19 pandemic which has an epicenter at NCR, Executive Order No. 114, Series of 2020, which institutionalizes the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program, strives for a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth in the regions by promoting full employment based on sound agricultural development by the state. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in an attempt to address these perennial issues, created the “Innovation, Science, and Technology Accelerating Regional Technology-Based (iSTART) Development” Program which will be implemented in the regions.

How the program works?

Through iSTART, DOST will attract individuals currently residing in NCR and other highly urbanized areas to return to their provinces of origin and/or transfer, expand, or invest in new enterprises and other STI undertakings.

The program shall adopt a dynamic and continual strategy involving science-based planning, ICT-based solutions, multisectoral consultative process and deployment of the returning researchers, scientists, and engineers to identify new growth areas and stimulate investments in technology-based enterprises.

The iSTART program shall stimulate investment in technology-based enterprises through utilization of science-based planning tools and deployment of the returning researchers, scientists, and engineers.

The support mechanisms shall include the recommendation of science-based policies and appropriate incentive packages for the technology-based enterprises. Backed up by the strong network and linkages of regional offices, opportunities for gainful engagements will be identified from other government, private and the industry sectors.

The iSTART program will also synergize with other DOST Programs such as, but not limited to the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Community thru Science and Technology (CEST), RDLEAD, Balik Scientist Program, Career Incentive Program (CIP) and iFWD PH to ensure sustainability.