Driving Innovation, Strengthening Resilience: CrisisOps Secures DOST Startup Grant Fund at HEADSTART 2026

CrisisOps marks a significant milestone in its journey toward innovation and growth after being named one of the recipients of the 2026 Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Startup Grant Fund (SGF). The recognition highlights the company's potential to develop technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to a more resilient future.

The milestone was formalized during HEADSTART: From Grant to Growth, held on November 9, 2026, at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center. Organized by the DOST–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the event marked the formal beginning of the new SGF grantees' journey. It brought together grant recipients, previous grantees, members of the PCIEERD Technical Panel, Technology Business Incubator (TBI) partners, and other stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.

HEADSTART was part of Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) 2026, a nationwide gathering held from November 9 to 12 under the theme “Beyond Borders: Navigating Our Future.” The event brought together startup founders, investors, businesses, academic institutions, media, and government agencies to promote Filipino innovations, strengthen industry connections, and advance the country's startup ecosystem.

Representing CrisisOps during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing were Gil Orense, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer; Jason Keith Boñaga, Co-founder and Chief Resilience Officer; James Gerald Dumbrique, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer; and Eduardo Lazaro III, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. Boñaga will also serve as Project Leader throughout the project's implementation. The ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development; Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD; Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial, Deputy Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD; Russell M. Pili, Chief of the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD) of DOST-PCIEERD; Engr. Edward Paul H. Apigo, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-PCIEERD; and Engr. Matthew Jacob D. Nido, Project Manager and Technology Transfer Officer of the Research and Information, Technology Transfer Division (RITTD).

Beyond the MOA signing, HEADSTART fostered knowledge-sharing through a learning session titled “Building Financial Discipline and Investment Readiness for 2027,” highlighting the importance of financial management, investment preparation, and startup sustainability. The program also featured a panel discussion, “From Proposal to Funding: A Startup's Journey to Securing Government Funds,” which brought together representatives from the technology, energy, food, and infrastructure sectors to share insights on navigating government funding opportunities. The discussion was moderated by Diane Tating, Project Technical Specialist III at DOST-PCIEERD.

Through the Startup Grant Fund, DOST-PCIEERD provides assistance to technology-based startups in transforming early-stage technological innovations into market-ready products. The program supports the development and commercialization of promising innovations, recognizing that securing a grant is not the end goal but an important starting point in a startup's journey toward sustainable growth and wider market reach.

For CrisisOps, being part of the 2026 SGF cohort opens opportunities to strengthen its technical capabilities, advance its proposed initiatives, and contribute to the development of solutions that respond to pressing challenges. With the support of DOST-PCIEERD, the company looks forward to translating its innovation into practical applications and creating meaningful impact through technology.

As CrisisOps moves forward with project implementation, this milestone reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and strengthening resilience. More than an achievement, the grant marks the beginning of another important chapter in the company's pursuit of solutions that create lasting value for communities and the broader innovation ecosystem.