South Africa: Grassroots Innovation Programme
Deadline: 28-Feb-22
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is seeking proposals for its Grassroots Innovation Programme from grassroots innovators looking for funding, technical assistance, and support for developing a new product or process up to the prototype and proof of concept stage.
Fundable Activities
Development & production of fully functional prototypes of product innovations respond to social challenges
Skills training and business development incubation and mentorship
Specialized 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 traveling stipend to the innovators in support of the development of their innovation
Support Package on Offer
Intellectual Property registration
Industry compliance and certification
Product and technical development expertise, design prototyping infrastructure & hard/software materials
Production of a prototype
Business development training and support
Networking, mentorship and market access activities before Fundable Activities
Eligibility Criteria
South African citizens of any age (ID copy required)
Individual (or representing a team) with an innovative solution that solves a clear social problem
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
Preference will be given to applicants from North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape
Minimum Requirement
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 commercialization viability of the innovation has been articulated
For more information, visit https://www.tia.org.za/blog/2022/02/10/gip-call/