Call for Applications: Commercialising Innovation and Research (CIR)

South Africa
Funding Call
Researchers
Innovators
SMME
Entrepreneurship

The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is a leading research institute dedicated to fostering economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) through research and development. MKRI focuses on developing practical, research-based solutions that address the needs of the provincial economy. By leveraging research recommendations, MKRI aims to influence policy development and enhance service delivery interventions. 

In collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), MKRI offers a funding opportunity for researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This initiative supports individuals and organisations seeking to commercialise their research and innovative products or solutions, thereby contributing to economic development and growth in the province. 

Requirements

  • Projects that have been piloted (proof of concept, tested/evaluated/assessed/ prototyped, etc.) to activate commercialisation. 
  • Projects that seek to innovatively solve KZN socio-economic challenge/s. 
  • South African researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and SMMEs residing in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Required documents (Submission of the following documents is mandatory) 

  • Completed application form 
  • Certified copies of the Identity Document 
  • Proof of residence 
  • Company profile (with the CV of the Director) OR the applicant’s CV (in the case of individuals) 
  • Written proposal (well-articulated problem/challenge, solution, benefit to the province) not exceeding 5 pages including a detailed budget (financial) breakdown of funds requested, describing clearly what the funds will be used for in an itemised manner.

Disqualification

  • Applicants who do not meet the requirements
  • Applications received after the closing date
  • Non-submission of the required documents 
  • Applications not submitted to the designated email address 

Communication

  • English / IsiZulu 

How to apply: 

Interested applicants must email all the required documents on or before the closing date. Shortlisted applicants will be required to present or demonstrate their products/solutions before a panel. 

Please note: 

  • Applicants that applied in the previous cycles (unsuccessful ONLY) are encouraged to re-apply. 
  • The Commercialisation of Research and Innovation fund is subject to the availability of funds. MKRI reserves the right not to award funding.  
  • Applicants who have not heard from MKI within two weeks of closing, may consider their application unsuccessful.
Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Mining and quarrying
​Manufacturing
​Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
​Construction
​Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
​Transportation and storage
Accommodation and food service activities
​Information and communication
Financial and insurance activities
​Real estate activities
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Administrative and support service activities
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
​Education
Human health and social work activities
​Arts, entertainment and recreation
​Other service activities
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods-and-service-producing activities of households for own use
​Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies, not economically active people, unemployed people etc.
Website link

www.moseskotaneinstitute.com