Manila, Philippines — Siemens Healthineers and the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) formally strengthened their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Siemens Healthineers Innovation Ecosystem (SHIFT) Capacity Building Program. The initiative is designed to help address pressing healthcare challenges in the Philippines by empowering local researchers and innovators.
The SHIFT Capacity Building Program focuses on equipping Filipino participants with practical knowledge and skills in technology commercialization and business development. Through a series of engagements led by international speakers and experts, the program aims to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and real-world healthcare solutions.
By combining UP Manila’s expertise as the country’s premier health sciences university and Siemens Healthineers’ global leadership in medical technology, the partnership seeks to nurture a new generation of healthcare innovators capable of translating ideas into impactful and sustainable solutions.
“Through this program, we can try to run solutions that actually make sense for our communities. Through SHIFT, we hope to empower future innovators. We are truly excited to start this journey with you. Together we can do more as we tackle the most basic to the most critical health challenges in the Philippines,” said Michael Schmermer, President and Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers, Inc., during the MOU signing.
The SHIFT program also supports broader national and international cooperation initiatives. It builds on commitments previously agreed upon by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Siemens Healthineers during the German-Philippine Business Forum held in Berlin in 2024, highlighting the role of innovation and collaboration in strengthening the Philippine healthcare system.
With the launch of the SHIFT Capacity Building Program, Siemens Healthineers and UP Manila reaffirm their shared vision of advancing healthcare innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating solutions that respond to the needs of Filipino communities. The partnership marks an important step toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem in the Philippines.