Call for Applications: TIA x Savant Seed Fund

South Africa
Seed Fund
Funding Call
Pilot Opportunity
Early Stage

Applications open for Pre-Seed and Seed Fund!

The Pre-Seed Fund is designed for early-stage innovators, university researchers, and SMMEs who are in the process of transforming an initial idea into a viable, fundable opportunity. It provides crucial support for establishing proof of principle, validating intellectual property (IP), and refining product concepts to increase the chances of securing further investment. While some startups may already be generating revenue, TIA invests at the project level. If the product being developed aligns with the outlined funding parameters, those startups are welcome to apply. The Pre-Seed Fund helps applicants progress from TRL 3 to TRL 4, ensuring their technology moves closer to commercialization readiness. Best for projects still validating feasibility and market potential before seeking larger investments.

The Seed Fund is open to applicants who have previously completed a pre-seed funding project and are seeking follow-on funding for their technology or innovation to achieve a minimum viable product ready for piloting and market testing with a clear regulatory pathway and route to market. This grant is suitable for technologies or innovations that are within TRL5 and TRL6. The maximum allowable amount per application for this call is R1,200,000 including VAT, for a maximum duration of 12 – 24 months. The Seed Fund helps applicants advance from TRL 5 to TRL 6, ensuring their technology is ready for pilot production and market validation. It is ideal for projects requiring financial support to refine and scale their product for real-world market entry.

Click here to apply

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.savant.co.za