LEJWELEPUTSWA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, FREE STATE AND GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, WESTERN CAPE

PURPOSE OF THE CALL

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, invites eligible organisations to submit proposals to establish and implement Living Labs in Lejweleputswa District Municipality in the Free State and Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape. Each applicant must apply for one district only.

WHO MAY APPLY?

Applicants must be legally registered and tax compliant, have a valid Central Supplier Database report and up-to-date CIPC annual returns, and demonstrate:

• An established presence or implementation track record in the applicable province, with preference given to experience in the targeted district; organisations outside the province may apply through an active consortium partnership with an organisation operating in the province;

• Experience in rural or township communities, innovation support, ICT-enabled or context-appropriate solutions, and collaboration with local government, communities, enterprises, industry and knowledge institutions;

• Sound governance, operational, financial, procurement, record-keeping and internal-control systems, together with adequate personnel and delivery capacity; and

• Secured, accessible and fit-for-purpose premises in the relevant district, supported by proof of the right to occupy, a condition assessment, photographs, a floor plan and a proportionate refurbishment plan.

Note: Living Labs currently funded through the Living Labs Programme are not eligible to apply.

FUNDING AND CONTRACT PERIOD

Maximum TIA grant: R 4 700 000 per Living Lab, subject to funding availability, assessment outcomes, approvals and contracting requirements.

• Contract period: 24 months.

• Funding will be linked to an approved project plan, budget and milestones. Applicants must show how additional funding, partnerships and support will be leveraged to strengthen sustainability.

REQUIRED PROGRAMME OUTPUTS

The appointed implementing partners will establish and operate the Living Labs and deliver an integrated programme comprising:

• Refurbishment and adaptation of the secured space, together with approved specialised innovation equipment;

• An Innovation Activation Programme reaching at least 150 beneficiaries;

• An Innovation Bridging Programme for 50 beneficiaries with limited access to digital technologies and innovation support;

• An Innovation Support Programme for 30 selected beneficiaries, with a cohort comprising at least 80% youth, 50% women and 5% persons with disabilities;

• Application of the Quadruple Helix methodology to co-create five systemic or spatial local economic development solutions;

• Targeted inclusion interventions for women and persons with disabilities; and

• Linkages to follow-on funding, investment, markets and partnerships, supported by a sustainability plan.

• Major construction or structural rehabilitation, unrelated operational costs, bursaries, research projects, and expenditure outside the approved scope or implementation period will not be funded. The full fundable and non-fundable cost requirements are contained in the Terms of Reference.

ASSESSMENT

Only eligible applications will proceed to technical assessment. Proposals will be evaluated on relevant experience and track record; understanding of the Living Labs model and local context; geographical reach; programme quality and feasibility; sustainability and leveraged support; delivery capability; governance and grant management; and premises readiness. Consult the Terms of Reference for the detailed scoring framework and evidence requirements.

HOW TO APPLY?

Download the Call for Proposals, Terms of Reference, Application Form and Project-Plan Template from the Open Calls section of www.tia.org.za. Use the prescribed templates, include all required supporting documents, and clearly identify the relevant district and province.

Email completed applications to livinglabsapplications@tia.org.za by 30 October 2026 at 17:00. Late applications and submissions not using the prescribed templates will not be accepted.

ENQUIRIES

For enquiries, email livinglabsapplications@tia.org.za.