Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the ACHIEVE Framework offers SDG-RDIG grants to support collaborative research and innovation projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme provides up to ₱10 million per year for a maximum of 3 years and requires consortia of at least three higher education institutions led by a designated Lead HEI.
Overview of the Programme
The SDG-Focused Research, Development and Innovation Grants (SDG-RDIG) is a competitive funding programme implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines.
It supports high-impact, collaborative research initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the ACHIEVE Framework.
Core Purpose of the Grant
The programme aims to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in addressing national and global development challenges through research and innovation.
Key Objectives
- Advance SDG-aligned research and innovation
- Promote collaboration among higher education institutions
- Develop scalable solutions to social and environmental challenges
- Strengthen institutional research capacity
- Support long-term sustainable development impact
Thematic Focus: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
All projects must align with one or more SDGs.
Example Areas of Focus
- Climate action and environmental sustainability
- Poverty reduction and inclusive growth
- Quality education and innovation
- Health and wellbeing
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: ₱10,000,000 per year
- Duration: up to 3 years
- Competitive grant structure
- Multi-institution collaboration required
Eligible Project Structure
The programme requires formal research consortia.
Consortium Requirements
- Minimum of 3 higher education institutions (HEIs)
- One designated Lead HEI
- Full collaboration across all participating institutions
Responsibilities of Lead HEI
- Overall project coordination
- Financial and administrative management
- Reporting and compliance
- Coordination of consortium partners
Eligible Applicants
Only higher education institutions are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
- Accredited HEIs in the Philippines
- Institutions capable of research and innovation delivery
- Must form consortia (no single-institution applications allowed)
- Must comply with CHED programme guidelines
Expected Outcomes
The SDG-RDIG aims to generate high-impact academic and societal outcomes.
Key Outcomes
- SDG-aligned research outputs and publications
- Innovative solutions to societal and environmental issues
- Strengthened institutional research collaboration
- Improved policy and development insights
- Enhanced capacity of Philippine HEIs
Programme Approach
The initiative promotes multi-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Features
- Consortium-based research model
- Focus on applied and impactful research
- Strong emphasis on sustainability outcomes
- Encouragement of innovation and scalability
- Alignment with national development priorities
Evaluation Priorities
Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
- Strong alignment with SDGs
- Clear research methodology and innovation component
- Strong collaboration among HEIs
- Measurable impact and sustainability potential
- Capacity for policy or community application
- Well-structured consortium governance
Strategic Importance
The SDG-RDIG plays a key role in strengthening research ecosystems in the Philippines.
It contributes to:
- Advancing national SDG commitments
- Building stronger academic research networks
- Enhancing innovation capacity in higher education
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking
- Encouraging long-term institutional collaboration
FAQs
What is the SDG-RDIG programme?
It is a research grant programme supporting SDG-aligned innovation and research among Philippine higher education institutions.
Who funds and manages the programme?
It is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under the ACHIEVE Framework.
How much funding is available?
Up to ₱10 million per year for each project, for up to 3 years.
Who can apply?
Consortia of at least three accredited higher education institutions in the Philippines.
Is a single university eligible?
No, applications must be submitted by a consortium with a Lead HEI.
What is the main goal?
To support collaborative research that addresses Sustainable Development Goals through innovation and applied solutions.
Conclusion
The SDG-RDIG programme is a major research funding initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among Philippine higher education institutions.
By supporting long-term, SDG-focused research consortia, it aims to generate impactful, scalable solutions to pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.
For more information, visit CHED.