NIC OKs AI task force, new grants, think tank

The National Innovation Council (NIC) has approved the formation of a technical working group to assess the current state and future direction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the Philippines.

During its eighth council meeting on March 26, NIC also approved new implementing guidelines for the 2025 Innovation Grants and greenlit the creation of an AI think tank led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

This group will study the country's AI preparedness and provide insights to guide future policy development.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the importance of a coordinated national approach to ensure the Filipino workforce is ready for technological advancements.

A 2023 study by Google and Access Partnership estimated that AI adoption could generate PHP2.8 trillion in annual economic value for the Philippines by 2030, underscoring its potential to drive economic transformation and boost productivity.

The new guidelines for Innovation Grants will be released by NEDA in the second quarter, followed by a call for proposals to support various sectors including agriculture, health, energy, education, and transportation.