Grassroots Innovation Programme
The programme is targeting grassroots innovators who require funding to develop and prototype their technology innovations up to pre-commercialisation.
A grassroots innovator is defined as “an individual who undertakes innovations to solve local challenges using local resources and capabilities through working outside the realm of formal innovation institutions”.
Individuals who have a proposal at early proof of concept stage with potential to solve social challenges or potential technology solutions to a specific or identified need are encouraged to apply for support by the programme.
WHO CAN APPLY
The programme is targeting South African citizens with preference to youth, women and persons with disabilities
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
| Technology |
Identified Need/Social Need |
| Technology Readiness: product/service is at proof of concept/ prototype stage
Innovation: technology is novel and/or addresses a social/market need
Intellectual Property (IP) can be protected against competing technologies
Previous investment: the proposed technology has received less than R100 000 in previous investments
|
Clearly defined social or market need
Applicability of the solution to a variety of localities
|
| Commercial Potential |
Entrepreneurial Drive |
| Clear value proposition and competitive advantage
Commercial viability has been articulated
|
Entrepreneur is passionate, committed, self-driven and willing to be mentored |
| Team Capability |
Impact |
| Team skill set has a combination of business and technical skills. Team is willing to partner for skills gap. |
Potential impact of the solution in communities
|
How to apply
Completed applications must be submitted on the Grassroots Innovation application portal www.tia.org/gip or you may deliver completed application forms to TIA House, 83 Lois Avenue Pretoria or e-mail: grassroots.innovation@tia.org.za
GIP Call for Proposals
GIP Application Form
Contact Us:
| Ms Sibongile Radebe (Manager: GIP)
Office : + 27 (0) 12 472 2773
E-mail : grassroots.innovation@tia.org.za
|
Follow us on:
Twitter: @GrassrootsZA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassrootsInnovation
Source: TIA
Technology Innovation Agency (Owner)
