Deadline Date: May 8, 2026
The PCIEERD WHWise Program 2026 call for proposals supports women-led social enterprises by providing access to technology, research and development, technical assistance, and mentoring to strengthen community impact and innovation.
The programme focuses on supporting women-led social enterprises, promoting technology acquisition, advancing research and development support, providing technical assistance and mentoring, strengthening early-stage prototypes and proof-of-concept development, encouraging technology adoption through collaboration with research institutions, and enhancing community-focused social enterprise solutions that generate inclusive economic and social benefits.
The WHWise Program is implemented by the PCIEERD and has been supporting women-led social enterprises since 2021. Over the years, it has provided funding support to 24 enterprises between 2021 and 2025, amounting to PhP 118 million. These enterprises have collectively generated PhP 32 million in revenue, demonstrating the economic and social impact of investing in women-led innovation. The programme also works in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices to identify and support eligible enterprises through regional and national innovation competitions.
The expanded call for 2026 seeks to address previous implementation challenges, including limited participation, misalignment between selected technologies and enterprise needs, and insufficient preparation time for applicants. The initiative aims to improve outreach and strengthen support mechanisms for women-led enterprises seeking technological advancement.
Eligible applicants must be women-led social enterprises that directly serve communities and clearly define their target beneficiaries and services. They must demonstrate a need for specific technology or technical assistance and should have already engaged in discussions with research and development institutions such as DOST RDIs, higher education institutions, or state universities and colleges. Applicants must also have received initial support from DOST Regional Offices in identifying potential technologies for adoption.
Additional eligibility requirements include legal registration with relevant authorities such as DTI or SEC, operational experience of one to seven years, an early-stage prototype or proof of concept, and compliance with national ownership and legal requirements. Applicants must also possess the legal capacity to issue official receipts for grant funding.
The WHWise Program continues to strengthen women-led innovation by supporting enterprises that combine technology with social impact, enabling them to deliver meaningful solutions to communities while fostering inclusive economic growth.
For more information, visit PCIEERD.
