Deadline: 29 March 2024
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is calling for proposals from grassroots innovators looking for funding, technical assistance, and support for developing a new product or process up to prototype and proof of concept stage.
A grassroots innovator is defined as “an individual who undertakes innovations to solve local challenges using local resources and capabilities through working outside the realm of formal innovation institution.
Support Package on Offer
- Intellectual Property registration
- Industry compliance and certification
- Product and technical development expertise, design prototyping infrastructure and hard/software materials
- Production of a prototype
- Business development training and support
- Networking, mentorship, and market access activities
Fundable Activities
- Development and production of fully functional prototypes of product innovations that respond to social challenges
- Skills training and business development incubation and mentorship
- Specialised equipment that is within the budget constraints and required to enable innovation activities
- Introduction of a proof of concept where a viable business case can be demonstrated
- Registration of new enterprises or attaining compliance of already registered enterprises
Who can apply?
- South African citizens of any age (ID copy required)
- Individual (or representing a team) with an innovative solution that solves a clear social problem
- Individuals must meet the criteria of a grassroots innovator
- Have full ownership of the Intellectual Property and rights to the proposed solution
- Applicants with no access to innovation development support, infrastructure, funding or training
- Is willing to commit time to the programme activities for a maximum period of 24 months
Minimum Requirements
Requirements for application:
- Concept stage of the solution
- Innovation in the use of technology and the quality of the solution to solving the problem
- Technical and financial feasibility of developing the solution
- Demonstration of clear social impact for a targeted market
- Clear articulation of the commercialisation viability of the innovation.
For more information, visit Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
