Call for Proposals: Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is pleased to announce an Open Call for Proposals for circular economy related research projects commencing in January 2026. Through the strategic investment in science, technology and innovation (STI), the DSTI aims to support South Africa’s transition to a more circular economy by eliminating waste and pollution; (ii) keeping products and materials in use at their highest value; and (iii) regenerating natural systems, in a manner that will provide maximum environmental, social and economic benefit for the country. The Circular Economy STI Strategy also prioritises the decoupling of economic development from resource consumption, through science, technology and innovation.

Grant award amount and duration 

Grant proposals should be ≤ R2,000,000 (excl. VAT) and ≤ 3 years in duration. The total grant funding available for 2025 is limited and since the call is open to all circular economy related research topics, the process is expected to be highly competitive. 

Eligibility criteria 

1. Eligible institutions: Only researchers from South African public universities, science councils and other public research institutions, working in relevant disciplines, are invited to submit proposals for a Circular Economy research grant.
2. Experience: Principal investigators (PI) must be qualified to do the proposed research and should be experts in the subject matter referenced in the proposal. Typically, this would include full-time faculty at academic and research institutions.
3. Capacity development: The following requirements in terms of human capital development apply:

• Proposals that include capacity development through the training of post-graduate students will be favourably considered.
• Students may be supported on the grant project through either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) depending on the needs and academic performance of the student (See DSI/NRF Post-graduate Funding Policy). The grant holder will need to reflect whether the student(s) is supported on FCS or PCS in the quarterly reporting to the DSTI.
• Students supported on grant projects must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Students should be placed on the grant project on the basis of academic merit and may not hold salaried employment that exceeds 12 hours of work per week, while pursuing the degree.

Proposals must be submitted electronically via email here on the Circular Economy STI Strategy grant proposal template (issued with this call).