The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is
calling for applications 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”.

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 who do not have ready 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:

• The stage of development 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
• Whether a vision for the commercialisation viability of the innovation has been articulated

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

NON-FUNDABLE ACTIVITIES

• Staff salaries/stipends for additional team members
• Operational activities not related to innovation activities
• Acquiring of licenses to replicate external innovations
• Research projects
• Research institutions and organisations
• Student bursaries, research projects
• Infrastructure development

FUNDABLE ACTIVITIES

• Development and production of fully functional prototypes of product innovations responding
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
• Registration of intellectual property rights, copyright and trademark protection and licensing
• Personal and travelling stipend to the innovators in support of the development of their
innovation

HOW TO APPLY

Prepare and upload as part of application:
• A three-minute video (name and surname of the innovator, the overview of the innovation,
show prototype if it exists, and what the funding will be used for)
• Pitch deck
Applications should be submitted online at https://gms.tia.org.za/funding (Application form
CC23_GIP)
For more information, visit www.tia.org.za

CLOSING DATE

ENQUIRIES
Applications must be submitted by 29 September 2023 before 16:00 pm, no applications will be
considered after 16:00 pm.

For all enquiries contact [email protected] or call 012 472 2701/2928.