The ITDI is among the instrumentalities that laid the groundwork, in the early years, for S&T in the country. Today, it is one of the DOST's RDIs (research and development institutes) and undertakes multidisciplinary industrial R&D, technical services, and knowledge translation or technology transfer and commercialization. ITDI harnesses know-how in new technology and product innovation, and through the years, has emerged as a credible and reliable industry and government partner in accelerating growth and development in the country.
Research & Development Thrusts
The ITDI is multidisciplinary and its R&D activities are focused on five major areas, namely: food processing, materials science, chemicals and energy, environment and biotechnology, and packaging technology. Specifically, ITDI programs envision to propel industrial development by developing technologies that are aligned with the following DOST Outcomes:
- Science-based know-how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to raise productivity to world-class standards;
- innovative, cost-effective, and appropriate technologies that enable MSMEs to develop and produce competitive products that meet world-class standards;
- state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities that enable local industries to move up the value chain and attain global competitiveness; and,
- improved quality healthcare and quality of life thru science, technology, and innovation.
Technical Services
The ITDI provides a variety of technical services and interventions to different stakeholders particularly the industry, to help modernize the production sector, improve its productivity, and become globally competitive.
In 2013, the most advanced failure analysis and material characterization testing facility for the semiconductor and electronics industry in the Philippines called the ADMATEL or Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory was established. With this national facility in place, companies need not send their materials and sample products abroad for failure analysis (FA) and could realize shorter turn-around time and savings, thereby creating a more conducive business environment.
The recognition of NML’s measurement capabilities in the Key Comparison Database (KCDB) of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is a testament to its commitment to excellence. With thirty-three (33) calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) published in physics metrology, the NML stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other NMIs, demonstrating the Philippines' competence and comparability on the global stage in the fields of mass, pressure, and temperature (https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/cmc/quick-search?keywords=Philippines). In addition to this, the NML is the first and only laboratory in the Philippines that has been accredited under the terms of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by the national accreditation body of the Federal Republic of Germany, Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS).
As part of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and national development, ITDI has taken the initiative to extend metrological principles and practices to the field of chemistry and biology. The establishment of the Philippines’ Metrology-in-Chemistry (MiC) under the NML has been a game-changer for testing laboratories. Through MiC, testing laboratories gain access to reference materials and proficiency testing schemes that validate their measurement methods and provide a solid foundation for accurate and traceable measurements. With MiC's support, these laboratories can now confidently analyze various substances, products, and materials, contributing to competitiveness, health, and safety across industries. The MiB, on the other hand is gearing up to be ground-breaking in biological measurements. While currently focused on providing proficiency testing schemes, we are eagerly setting up state-of-the-art facilities to offer an extensive range of reference materials. This future expansion will further reinforce the capabilities of testing laboratories, enabling them to excel in analyzing biological substances and materials.
Knowledge Translation or Technology Transfer (KT/TT)
Likewise, the ITDI rigorously pursues and sustains its R&D efforts and services to spur technology innovation and adaptation for possible commercialization. Through knowledge translation or techno-transfer, results of R&D come to fruition where small to medium businesses are started, thereby creating employment for many; while provision of technical services and/or assistance has improved the productivity and competitiveness of stakeholders.
In support of this mission, the Institute implements various institutional schemes that are designed to facilitate the transfer and/or adoption of technologies and services under terms mutually beneficial to both clients and the Institute. Such schemes or programs cover a wide range of industry sectors and vary in the size of firms assisted and in the level of assistance.
