MANILA, (PIA) — Aspiring inventors and researchers now have the opportunity to showcase their innovative creations and compete for cash prizes in the ClusteRICE Invention Contest and Exhibit, a biennial competition hosted by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) in collaboration with regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“This contest is a way to recognize our inventors and encourage researchers,” said Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles, Regional Director of the DOST-National Capital Region, during Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum.
The competition features six categories, including Outstanding Invention, Outstanding Utility Model, Outstanding Industrial Design, and Outstanding Creative Research. There are also dedicated student research categories for high school and college participants.
Entries in specific categories must possess valid intellectual property protection from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
Tresvalles emphasized that the contest not only rewards innovation but also serves as a platform for further support.
“Activities like this provide an avenue for the Technology Applications and Promotions Institute to identify which works of researchers can be supported, whether by showcasing them abroad or assisting outstanding creative research for students and high schools in protecting their innovations,” she explained.
Winning participants can look forward to cash prizes in various categories:
- Outstanding Invention Category – First prize: ₱50,000
- Outstanding Utility Model – First prize: ₱25,000
- Outstanding Industrial Design – First prize: ₱25,000
- Outstanding Creative Research – First prize: ₱20,000
- Outstanding Student Creative Research (separate categories for college and high school) – First prize: ₱20,000
“This contest is open to all ages, depending on the category you enter. The deadline for submission of entries is March 31, 2025,” Tresvalles added.
Interested participants can download entry forms from TAPI’s official website. For more details, visit the following link: TAPI Entry Form. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
