The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) invites applicants with technology solutions that have been publicly funded at a later stage of the innovation value chain based on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression that seek piloting at TRL 6-7 or/and market entry at TRL8.

The Innovation Fund was established by the Department of Science and Innovation to enhance SA’s capacity to commercialise technological innovations. The objectives of the Innovation Fund are to serve as an opportunity to de-risk investments through technology development and demonstration and to serve as a catalyst for co-investment and follow-on investment from industry and private sector sources (commercial funding). TIA is one of the implementing partners alongside the other entities involved in investment and corporation alike. This public–private funding instrument aims to facilitate and accelerate commercialisation.

The call is targeted all TIA focus areas (Health, Agri-biotech, Indigenous Knowledge systems, Industrial biotech, Natural resources, Energy, ICT, Advanced Manufacturing). However, priority will be given to applications in alignment with nine priorities of the Decadal Plan (including, circular economy, education for the future, sustainable energy, future of society, health innovation, high-tech industrialization, information, and communication technologies (ICTs) and smart systems, nutrition security, water security).