Gov’t personnel to get free AI training through DOST-NMBLR.ai partnership

Government personnel are set to receive free artificial intelligence training under a new partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Filipino-founded enterprise AI company NMBLR.ai.

The partnership will deliver the NMBLR NEXUS AI Training program as a no-cost AI fluency initiative for DOST leadership, Executive Committee members, technical staff, program officers, and designated personnel from key agencies.

Under the memorandum of understanding, NMBLR.ai will provide the training without charging DOST any training fees throughout the term of the agreement. The program will include AI fluency workshops, hands-on laboratories, executive learning sessions, and AI demonstrations designed to build practical AI skills and a shared understanding of artificial intelligence across the agency.

NMBLR.ai Chief Executive Officer and Founder Winston Damarillo said the initiative is meant to give government personnel practical exposure to AI.

“What we wanted to do is share that Nexus workshop opportunity with the rest of government so people will have a holistic experience in using AI,” Damarillo said.

The training sessions will be held at NMBLR’s Programmable Makati office, which will serve as the dedicated venue and AI learning environment for DOST participants. The company will also provide access to its enterprise AI fluency tools and NEXUS platform resources, and assign qualified AI practitioners and trainers to deliver program content relevant to DOST’s mandate and the Philippine public sector.

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“By working with them, we can expand our network of those that can help incubate businesses all over the country,” Damarillo added.

For its part, DOST will nominate and facilitate the participation of its leadership and personnel, co-promote the AI fluency partnership as part of its AI capability-building agenda, and take part in exploratory discussions on future collaboration.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the partnership would help DOST personnel better understand how AI can move from concept to actual use.

“We need to assist many of our youth and the people who have great ideas,” Solidum said.

“Possibly we can actually invite many of our stakeholders so that they can be assisted to be more successful. So, more partnerships the better,” he added.

Beyond the free training program, the MOU also allows DOST and NMBLR.ai to explore the possible development of the NMBLR Programmable Makati office as an industry-based AI hub. The facility may serve as a physical anchor for AI pilots and supported AI initiatives aligned with DOST programs.

The exploratory collaboration may also include alignment with DOST’s Technology Business Incubator ecosystem, enabling possible joint incubation support and programming between NMBLR.ai and DOST-affiliated TBIs. Any formal commitment on this future phase will still require a separate written agreement covering scope, funding, and governance.

The collaboration reflects growing efforts to strengthen AI readiness and digital skills development in the public sector as government agencies prepare for the increasing role of artificial intelligence in public service, innovation, and policymaking.