The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified strategic partners to support the development and commercialisation of its patented Mechanical Expander technology for catheter-based heart valve delivery.
The technology is designed to facilitate minimally invasive heart valve implantation without the need for open-heart surgery. Developed with support from TIA under Project No. T11-00096-OC, it aims to address the need for cost-effective and accessible heart valve treatment, particularly in emerging and developing markets where rheumatic heart disease remains a significant healthcare burden.
The technology has undergone substantial development and validation and has secured international patent protection in Brazil, China, Europe, India, South Africa and the United States.
TIA seeks partners with the expertise, resources, manufacturing capabilities, investment capacity and market access needed to advance the technology towards clinical validation, regulatory approval and commercial deployment.
This is an expression of interest for commercialisation and strategic partnerships, not a grant funding opportunity. No grant amount is specified.
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the EOI is to identify and assess potential partners capable of advancing the Mechanical Expander technology from its current development and intellectual property position towards clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial deployment.
TIA intends to explore opportunities for:
- Technology licensing or acquisition of intellectual property rights.
- Joint development and commercialisation.
- Strategic investment.
- Manufacturing and market access partnerships.
- Clinical development and regulatory advancement.
The broader objective is to facilitate the adoption of affordable and accessible heart valve treatment solutions in South Africa, emerging markets and other global markets.
Scope of the Opportunity
Interested organisations may propose commercialisation or partnership arrangements that support further development and market deployment of the technology.
Areas of potential collaboration include clinical development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, investment, licensing, intellectual property rights and access to local or international markets.
Respondents should demonstrate how their capabilities and resources could contribute to a viable commercialisation pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
TIA invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified organisations with relevant technical, commercial, financial, clinical, manufacturing, regulatory or market-access capabilities.
Eligible respondents may include:
- Medical device manufacturers.
- Cardiovascular technology companies.
- Multinational healthcare and medical technology companies.
- Venture capital and private equity investors focused on life sciences.
- Research and development organisations.
- Clinical development and innovation partners.
- Universities and healthcare innovation hubs.
- Other strategic partners with demonstrable capabilities relevant to the development and commercialisation of cardiovascular medical devices.
Respondents should demonstrate relevant experience, appropriate resources, technical and/or commercial capabilities, and the ability to contribute to the proposed commercialisation or partnership pathway.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a written Expression of Interest containing, at a minimum:
- Company profile and relevant experience.
- Details of commercialisation, licensing, investment or partnership interest.
- Technical capabilities and market reach.
- Proposed commercialisation approach.
- Contact details of the authorised representative.
EOIs must be submitted using the reference “EOI: Commercialisation of Mechanical Expander Technology.”
Submission does not constitute a commitment by TIA to enter into a transaction. Shortlisted respondents may be invited to participate in further discussions and due diligence, including the execution of confidentiality agreements where required.
Geographic Scope
The opportunity seeks strategic partners capable of contributing to commercialisation in South Africa, emerging markets and other global markets. No specific country restriction for respondents is stated in the EOI.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 13 January 2027.
- Submission method: Email.
- EOI reference: EOI: Commercialisation of Mechanical Expander Technology.
Application Process
Prepare the written EOI and submit it to the designated TIA email address. Include all five categories of information listed under Submission Requirements.
Industry / Sector
Medical devices, cardiovascular technology, healthcare innovation, medical technology manufacturing, clinical development, research and development, and life sciences investment.
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