DOST, startup Shoppable Business to develop e-procurement solution

The Department of Science and Technology has collaborated with a startup to develop an e-procurement solution for the government and businesses.

Shoppable Business is set to develop web-based application Quotable, a free software-as-a-service platform that will allow buyers to source branded business equipment, OEM goods, and supplies from verified suppliers across the country.

''With Quotable, companies can automate their workflows, reducing the time spent on a new quotation request from 21 days to 3-5 days. For requests from existing suppliers, quotes can be sent within 24 hours with the potential for same-day delivery. By digitizing their business operations, companies can save thousands of manhours and millions of pesos annually,'' the DOST—Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development said in a press release.

“This is promising as it will accelerate our procurement process and contribute to our efforts to fully digitalize governance. This is our way to provide solutions and open opportunities for our partners in government and in the private sector,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.

Shoppable Business will utilize a P3 million grant from the DOST-PCIEERD for the project.

"We are honored to be chosen as a DOST-PCIEERD SGF (Startup Grant Fund) beneficiary. This support will enable us to enhance our platform and reach more businesses, ensuring they have access to free e-procurement software and verified suppliers,” Shoppable Business CEO Carlo Silva said.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit expressed optimism that Quotable will soon be available to the public.

Over the past five years, the DOST-PCIEERD SGF Program has provided over P246 million in funding to at least 61 startups. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News