Final call for African innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers to unlock a powerful, life-changing opportunity through the Joint Innovation Facility—an initiative designed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization in critical sectors like health, agriculture, green energy, digital technology, and more. Backed by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) under Project SPARK, this program provides non-dilutive funding, expert mentorship, commercialization support, and technical guidance to help take your innovations from lab to market.
This initiative directly responds to the need for innovation-driven development across the African continent, offering a transformational pathway for early-stage startups, researchers, and innovation-focused institutions. The Joint Innovation Facility seeks bold ideas that are based on scientific or technological research outcomes, especially those with a minimum viable product (MVP), functional prototype, or pilot phase data.
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If you are a visionary innovator working on real-world solutions that address Africa’s development challenges, then this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to access ZAR 500,000 in milestone-based funding, plus technical support from leading experts and institutions. Applications are time-sensitive and slots are limited. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that transforms research into thriving business ventures.
The facility is also about ecosystem building—creating a platform where innovators collaborate with universities, private sector actors, investors, and research councils to scale inclusive technologies. From climate change mitigation tools to healthcare diagnostics to smart agriculture solutions, the Joint Innovation Facility is Africa’s next big step toward innovation-led growth.
This is not just another grant opportunity—it’s a breakthrough platform built to empower a new generation of innovators across Africa. With hands-on support, financial capital, and industry exposure, the Joint Innovation Facility offers next-level resources to scale your solution.
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Requirement/Eligibility
To ensure quality participation and alignment with the program’s impact objectives, applicants must meet the following:
1. Be based in Africa, preferably with operations in or affiliated to South Africa.
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2. Be either a startup, registered SME, university-affiliated research unit, innovation hub, or consortium.
3. Present an innovation that is in advanced development stages (e.g., functional prototype, MVP, or early pilot tested).
4. The solution must tackle a development problem in sectors like health, food systems, water, sanitation, climate resilience, green energy, education, or smart infrastructure.
5. Evidence of scientific research output or technology-based innovation is mandatory.
6. The team must include at least one technical lead and one business or strategy lead.
7. Applicants must be able to demonstrate market potential, demand, and sustainability of their innovation.
8. Must not have previously received TIA or SPARK funding for the same project.
9. Preference will be given to female-led, youth-led, and university-linked innovations.
10. A strong commitment to the full 12-month program cycle, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and monitoring, is required.
Duration/Stipend
The program runs for a period of 12 months and follows a structured innovation acceleration model, including:
- Up to ZAR 500,000 in milestone-based funding support (non-dilutive capital)
- Monthly technical support and mentorship from commercialization experts
- Access to testing labs, regulatory support, and IP (Intellectual Property) assistance
- Investor readiness coaching and strategic business development sessions
- Participation in national and global demo days, investment showcases, and exhibitions
- Connection to ecosystem partners, funders, and policy networks
- Tailored commercialization tools such as legal templates, product design guidance, and market validation support
- Participants will also have access to a cohort-based learning network, enabling peer exchange, networking with fellow innovators, and direct learning from experts in science, policy, and entrepreneurship.
This support is not a loan, not equity-based, and comes at zero fees to the selected innovators. It is a risk-free, high-value opportunity to catalyze research and technology-based solutions in Africa.
Deadline
23 August 2024
Apply Now
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