DSI is enabling innovation to grow a strong local health industry.
The future of South Africa’s healthcare landscape is looking more promising than ever before thanks to local innovation and technological advancement. There can be no doubt that the South African healthcare system faces many challenges. However, the sector is beginning to respond to these through innovation and collaboration – helping to improve efficiency, increase productivity and optimise patient outcomes.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is fostering local health innovation to drive growth in South Africa’s healthcare industry. DSI is entrusted with delivering the country’s bioeconomy strategy. This strategy was developed to enhance South Africa's research, development and innovation capabilities, with a focus on the production of pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices. By addressing the disease burden in our country and ensuring a stable supply of treatment, we can set our society up to be empowered, and to thrive.
Department of Science and Innovation
Department of Science and Innovation
There are many reasons why local health innovation is crucial for our country. Not only does it allow us to meet specific societal needs, but it also supports growth by stimulating investment, boosting employment, and making healthcare solutions more accessible. Additionally, it fosters the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in areas related to indigenous knowledge, enabling the commercialisation and protection of cultural knowledge in health, beauty, and nutrition.
By nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the health sector, we aim to pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for all. A future that includes providing access to precision medicine for treating tuberculosis, cancer, and heart diseases, as well as locally developed and manufactured pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic equipment.
Department of Science and Innovation
Innovations and partnership that are driving growth in the health industry.
Collaboration and partnership are at the core of all great advancements. At The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), we partner with innovative and ambitious minds to enable the socio-economic development that’s possible in our country. We provide leadership, an enabling environment, and resources for science, technology, and innovation through programmes and partnerships.
Partners collaborating on South Africa’s bioeconomy strategy with the Department of Science and Innovation include:
- NuMeRI
- DIPLOMICS
- CapeBio
- Biovac
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- CSIR
- TIA
NuMeRi: Improving survival rates and quality of life.
NuMeRi works to improve survival rates and the quality of life. It is an imaging and therapeutic facility dedicated to early disease diagnosis and treatment. Its innovative imaging equipment enables the early diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis, while also providing valuable insights for drug development and clinical research in the fields of Cancer and heart diseases. NuMeRi is committed to enhancing access to quality healthcare in South Africa and plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s bioeconomy strategy as a flagship initiative for The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
DIPLOMICS: Supporting and enabling researchers studying genes and proteins for effective treatment.
DIPLOMICS supports and enables the researchers who study genes and proteins that are crucial for effective treatment. They provide research infrastructure and support to enhance and strengthen Omics capacity in South Africa. In simple terms, they support research laboratories across the country involved in various Omics disciplines. Our support includes providing laboratory infrastructure, technician training, support, and access to Omics research information and data. DIPLOMICS is an integral part of South Africa's bioeconomy strategy and is supported by The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
Biovac: Protecting life through immunization.
Biovac is a proudly South African biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the research, development, and manufacturing of vaccines locally. They are part of a public-private partnership with the DSI to develop local vaccine manufacturing capabilities, enabling South Africa to reduce our dependence on international imports and to effectively meet the needs of society.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Commercializing indigenous plant products.
The Indigenous Knowledge-based Bio-Innovation Systems Programme focuses on pharmacological research, development, formulation, and clinical testing of natural products rooted in indigenous medical knowledge. As a platform funded by both the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), they concentrate on the development of products in health infusion beverages, cannabis, and natural supplements for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and neurological diseases.
How to Access Local Innovation and Boost the Healthcare Industry.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has launched an initiative aimed at promoting local health innovations in research, development, and manufacturing. This initiative will have a positive impact on the local health industry while aligning with the bioeconomy strategy. To learn more about these innovations, please visit innovationbridge.info, where you can meet the project leaders and engage in discussions to find out more. DSI, making sure it’s possible.