Call for Innovations: Transform Townships, Informal Settlements, and Hostels
Do you have a game-changing innovation? The Innovation Hub is looking for innovative solutions to boost economic growth, improve living conditions and create last impact in Townships, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) in Gauteng. If you have a proven solution that can make a difference, this is your chance to partner with The Innovation Hub to pilot your solution.
Background
TIHMC is an innovation agency of the Gauteng Province and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). It was established by the Gauteng Provincial Government through its Department of Economic Development to promote economic development and competitiveness of Gauteng through fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
TISH programme is an initiative of the Gauteng province to grow the economy, fight crime, expand basic services to the public and to ensure that citizens in disadvantaged areas are not left out when it comes to access to services.
The programme further promotes and encourage township entrepreneurs to invent solutions that address challenges experienced by industry, improve efficiency and make meaningful contribution to the Gauteng Province.
Key Specifications
The solutions should address one or more of the following focus areas (The examples below are meant to provide guidance and are not an exhaustive or mandatory list):
Focus Areas for Solutions
Your innovation should address at least one of these key areas:
1. Security
Innovations that improve safety and protect communities, such as:
- Low-cost surveillance systems.
- Mobile-based neighbourhood watch apps.
- Smart lighting to deter crime in public spaces.
- Panic buttons and alert systems integrated into everyday devices.
2. Energy
Solutions to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power, like:
- Solar-powered home energy systems.
- Portable or shared renewable energy hubs.
- Energy-efficient appliances tailored for low-income households.
- Pay-as-you-go energy solutions for off-grid areas.
3. Smart Agriculture/Agritech
Innovations to revolutionize farming and food security, including:
- Vertical farming solutions for urban spaces.
- Affordable soil monitoring and irrigation systems.
- Apps connecting local farmers to markets or suppliers.
- Waste-to-compost systems to reduce agricultural waste.
4. Water, Sanitation, & Waste
Practical solutions to address resource and hygiene challenges, such as:
- Greywater recycling systems for households.
- Affordable portable toilets or sanitation kits.
- Community-level water purification systems.
- Tech-enabled waste collection and recycling systems.
5. ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
Digital tools to empower communities and improve access to services, like:
- Low-cost internet access for underserved areas.
- E-learning platforms tailored to TISH schools.
- Apps for reporting and resolving municipal service issues.
Solutions not of interest
- Solutions that are not addressing the key specifications
- Solutions that do not offer any value proposition and not fit for purpose
Evaluation criteria
- Overall technical merit of the proposed solution
- Demonstration of similar solutions or experience
- Proposed project pricing and timeframes
- Simplicity and ease of operation/integration with the existing systems
- Economic and scalable market potential
- Effectiveness of the solution in addressing the stated challenge
- Fit for purpose solutions
- Scalability and flexibility
- Respondent’s capabilities and related experience, including team members
- Social economic Impact
Mandatory Requirements
- CSD Registration (company needs to be registered on CSD and be Tax Compliant)
- SBD4 (completed and signed)
- Valid BEE certificate or Sworn Affidavit
- Letter of intent
N.B. Please note that no company will be afforded a piloting opportunity without submitting the SBD4 forms (attached) and letter of intent.
N.B. The selected company is supposed to be in a position of a letter of intent.
TO RESPOND TO THIS CHALLENGE, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE ONLINE