The 2025 National Science, Technology, Innovation Week (NSTW) may have ended, but the gains of the micro, small, and medium Filipino enterprises (MSMEs) continues to inspire would be entrepreneurs as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized the nine outstanding MSMEs assisted under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in a ceremony held in November 20, 2025 at the 2025 NSTW held in Laoag City.
The national winners of the 2025 Search for the SETUP 4.0 Awardees held on November 20, 2025 at the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week at Laoag City. (Photo by DOST-OUSECRO)
The following are the nine MSMEs recognized by DOST this year in their respective categories:
Llouisse and Ai Souvenir Shop from Region VIII-Championing Innovation and Resource Circularity for Local Enterprises or the CIRCLE Award
The CIRCLE Award recognizes the enterprise that champions innovation and resource circularity, demonstrating scalable, impactful solutions that are aligned with environmental and social goals.
Cognitif Inc. from NCR- Most Industry 4.0-Ready Award or the I-READY Award
The i-READY Award is given to distinguish the enterprise that has demonstrated commendable progress in its preparation and is the most poised in the integration and transformation process towards Industry 4.0 in its operations.
BAUERTEK Farmaceutical Technologies Corporation from Region III- Most Industry 4.0 Champion of Innovation Award or the ICON Award
ICON Award is given to highlight the enterprise that has demonstrated outstanding ability to utilize and capitalize the use of Industry 4.0 in its operations and create value to customers and business.
Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation from Region I- SETUP PRAISE Award
SETUP PRAISE Award is given to recognize the enterprise that has excelled in their business in terms of productivity, resilience, agility, innovativeness, sustainability, and excellence in adopting science, technology, and innovations through DOST-SETUP.
SETUP Praise Award (Special Awards)
Alto Peak Chocolates from Region VIII- Most Productive Enterprise
Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation from Region I-Most Resilient Enterprise
JNC Specialty Food Ventures Inc. from NIR-Most Agile Enterprise
Lorna’s Processed Food Manufacturing from Region VI-Most Innovative Enterprise
Golden Crown Petals and Herbs from Region III- Most Sustainable Enterprise
SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and support MSMEs in adopting technological innovations to improve operations, boost productivity, and competitiveness. Specifically, the program provides MSMEs with equipment and technical assistance to increase sales and production, streamline and improve overall company operations, enhance product and service quality, conform to national and international standards of excellence, and remain competitive in their respective fields.
Through this program, countless Filipino entrepreneurs have transformed their businesses, adopted sustainable practices, and reached new heights of success.
SETUP is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.
