The Department of Science and Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have established the Forest Bio-economy Innovation cluster at the CSIR Biorefinery Industry Development Facility.
This initiative aims to demonstrate forestry waste beneficiation biorefinery technologies, including bridging the gap between pre-commercialisation instruments and commercial-scale entry. The CSIR will provide technical advice on alternative waste biomass technologies, reducing barriers to developing, testing, and adapting biorefinery technologies in South Africa.
THE CALL SEEKS TO IDENTIFY HIGH-IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES IN THE:
- Beneficiation of forest waste organic biomass to avoid landfilling of waste and enable maximum utilisation of biomass resources;
- Implementation of technologies for the development of new value chains from biomass resources; and
- Development of new value chains from the clearing of alien invasive species.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- The application document – completed electronically and submitted in PDF format.
- A clear definition of the goal of the project with the scope and timeframe.
- A clear understanding of the market of the intended technology (e.g. how big is the market segment that can feasibly be accessed) – provide proof of ability to access said market in the form of off-take agreements or letters of interest from clients.
- A description of a technology, along with a photo or prototype evidence, indicating its key features, impact, and competitive advantage.
- For in-licensed technology, proof of the granted licence.
- The type of biomass/feedstock that will be used and proof of access to the biomass.
- A clear indication of the (intended) socioeconomic impact resulting from the implementation of the solution.
The selection of projects will be based on criteria such as improved competitiveness; socioeconomic impact; small, medium and micro enterprises; and prioritising projects involving women and young people.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for support through the Expression of Interest (EoI) process, please complete the attached EoI form and email the PDF versions of completed forms, CVs, a Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment certificate/affidavit and proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission to vchunilall@csir.co.za
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dr Viren Chunilall | Email: vchunilall@csir.co.za | Telephone: 031 242 2315