Sector Funding – Technology Innovation Agency

Natural Resources

The Natural Resources sector’s focus areas are in water resources management, waste management, and mining. The water sector seeks to support technologies that solve the water crisis, improve water security and support sanitation programs. The waste management sector supports technologies that address waste management challenges and climate and environment issues within South Africa. It further seeks to support technologies in mining to sustainably improve process efficiencies in the extraction and exploitation of natural resources safely.

Objective

To improve the competitiveness of the waste management, water and mining industry by leveraging expertise and skills across the country through cooperation and collaborations

To accelerate technology development and commercialisation of waste management, water and mining products and services through existing or new enterprises

To leverage funds from local and international institutions to advance the strategic goal of the Natural Resource’s NSI

Services

Source investments and provide funding for technology innovative opportunities

Drive commercialization and exploitation of technology innovative opportunities

Promote national and local technology innovation agenda through thought leadership initiatives

Participate, co-ordinate and contribute to building the Natural Resources NSI and seek alignment with key stakeholders

Contact Details

Customerservice@tia.org.za

012 472 2700

Energy

The Energy sector supports the development of an innovative, competitive and sustainable energy industry that supports South Africa’s transition to a low carbon economy, contributing to the energy security of supply and the creation of emerging industries.

Objective

To improve the competitiveness of the Energy industry by leveraging expertise and skills across the country through cooperation and collaborations

To accelerate technology development and commercialisation of Energy products and services through existing or new enterprises

To leverage funds from local and international institutions to advance the strategic goal of the Energy NSI

The Energy unit will support technological innovations in the following areas. Any other innovations not listed below shall not be supported until further notice.

Services

Source investments and provide funding for technology innovative opportunities

Drive commercialisation and exploitation of technology innovative opportunities

Promote national and local technology innovation agenda through thought leadership initiatives

Participate, co-ordinate and contribute to building the Energy NSI and seek alignment with key stakeholders

The Energy unit will support technological innovations in the following areas. Any other innovations not listed below shall not be supported until further notice.

Renewable energy (Solar PV and Wind technologies)

Energy storage

Distributed generation

Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Contact Details

Customerservice@tia.org.za

012 472 2700

Information Communication and Technology

Information Communication & Technology

The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector supports the development and exploitation of ICT driven innovations with a broad social-economic impact. Thereby, addressing unemployment, inequality and poverty. It further supports grassroot innovators and the development of technologies that will increase South Africa’s competitiveness and participation in the fourth industrial revolution.

Objective

To improve the competitiveness of the ICT industry by leveraging expertise and skills across the country through cooperation and collaborations

To accelerate technology development and commercialisation of ICT products and services through existing or new enterprises

To leverage funds from local and international institutions to advance the strategic goal of the ICT NSI

With a focus on the following technology areas:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Block Chain: These technologies will only be considered within the following sectors: Agriculture, Energy, Green Economy, Health, Manufacturing, Mining, Space and Water, Waste and Circular Economy. Example: Cognitive Systems’ Artificial Mind Engine – A cognitive analytics software platform suitable for the big data, internet of things and general business intelligence market.

Wireless Connectivity: A key focus is wireless technologies that will enable 5G networks or increase rural connectivity. Innovators must have the requisite licenses or be in the process of acquiring such (where needed). Example: RIOT Networks – A new way of building networks that allows public broadband networks by crowdsourcing access network infrastructure.

Scalable ICT inclusive innovations: Technologies that address social injustices in a scalable and sustainable manner. Example: Pelebox - Smart lockers that enables patients to collect their repeat chronic medication in minutes instead of queuing for hours at public clinics.

Services

Source investments and provide funding for technology innovative opportunities

Drive commercialisation and exploitation of technology innovative opportunities

Promote national and local technology innovation agenda through thought leadership initiatives

Participate, co-ordinate and contribute to building the ICT NSI and seek alignment with key stakeholders

Contact Details

Customerservice@tia.org.za

012 472 2700

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

The Advanced Manufacturing sector in the National System of Innovation (NSI) is to utilise technological innovations as a driver to support the development of a knowledge economy in manufacturing, by accelerating both the manufacturing capability and the knowledge intensity of the industry, to increase and sustain the competitiveness and innovation in South Africa’s manufacturing industry.

Objective

To improve the competitiveness of the Advance Manufacturing industry by leveraging expertise and skills across the country through cooperation and collaborations

To accelerate technology development and commercialisation of Advanced Manufacturing products and services through existing or new enterprises

To leverage funds from local and international institutions to advance the strategic goal of the ICT NSI

Services

Source investments and provide funding for technology innovative opportunities

Drive commercialisation and exploitation of technology innovative opportunities

Promote national and local technology innovation agenda through thought leadership initiatives

Participate, co-ordinate and contribute to building the Advance Manufacturing NSI and seek alignment with key stakeholders

Contact Details

Customerservice@tia.org.za

012 472 2700