Manila: The Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) is set to launch a government-funded three-dimensional (3D) laboratory to aid startup companies and inventors in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOST-10 announced that the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) is positioned to become the additive manufacturing hub in Northern Mindanao. It will provide a range of services, including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and materials research. These services will be made available to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), academic institutions, and local communities.

AMCen is managed by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Development Institute. Its technologies extend beyond industrial use, aiming to advance sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and disaster preparedness.

The agency stated that AMCen's presence in Northern Mindanao marks a milestone in the decentralization of high-end manufacturing technologies. By establishing this center, DOST is making advanced tools accessible, helping local innovators and students develop products faster, improve efficiency, and reduce dependence on imports.