The GIZ SAVax programme, in collaboration with Sartorius South Africa and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is inviting Expressions of Interest from South African entities to host a centralised biomanufacturing and bioprocessing innovation platform.

The platform aims to address the infrastructure gap faced by biotechnology start-ups and SMMEs that need access to process development, optimisation and pre-commercial scale-up capabilities. The successful host will make the platform available to biotechnology SMMEs across the wider South African ecosystem.

What the Host Will Receive

The successful host will receive predominantly in-kind support, including:

• Bioprocessing equipment placed on loan for an initial 12-month period.
• Equipment for upstream and downstream process development, including bioreactors, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, HPLC and bio-layer interferometry.
• Training for host staff on bioprocessing and the supplied equipment.
• Bioprocessing training for approximately 8–10 biotechnology SMME beneficiaries.
• Technical assistance for the host and participating SMMEs.
• Support for equipment servicing, maintenance and repairs.
• Access to essential bioprocessing consumables during the initial period.
• Introductions to the Sartorius client and partner network.
• Travel and accommodation support for nominated staff and SMME beneficiaries attending training. 

The equipment remains the property of Sartorius South Africa during the initial loan period.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be legally registered South African entities that are already operating within the biotechnology ecosystem.

Eligible applicants include:

• Biotechnology innovation hubs
• Incubators
• Accelerators
• Research platforms
• Institutions demonstrably supporting biotechnology SMMEs or start-ups 

Mandatory Requirements

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• Dedicated laboratory space suitable for the equipment.
• Reliable electricity and backup power.
• Potable and purified water, drainage and appropriate ventilation.
• At least one permanent technical staff member with a biotechnology, biomanufacturing or biopharmaceutical background.
• Accessibility from an urban centre.
• Existing experience supporting biotechnology SMMEs or start-ups.
• Capacity to host equipment demonstrations, training and client engagements. 

The eligibility requirements are assessed on a pass/fail basis before technical scoring.

What Is Expected of the Host?

The host entity will be responsible for:

• Providing and maintaining secure laboratory space.
• Covering facility running costs, including electricity, water, security and insurance.
• Providing trained personnel, including a technical lead and equipment custodian.
• Establishing an open and transparent process for biotechnology SMMEs to access the platform.
• Providing induction and technical supervision.
• Hosting demonstrations and training events.
• Reporting against agreed performance indicators.
• Contributing to plans for the platform's longer-term institutionalisation. 

SMMEs may not be charged for access to the platform during the initial period. Applicants should explain how the platform could be sustained beyond the initial loan period while preserving affordability for early-stage enterprises.

Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed across six areas:

• Institutional Fit & Ecosystem Position – 15%
• Technical & Human Capacity – 25%
• Infrastructure Readiness – 20%
• SMME Access & Platform Management – 20%
• Sustainability & Institutionalisation – 10%
• Inclusion, Transformation & Ecosystem Reach – 10% 

Particular emphasis is placed on technical and human capacity, including experience with bioprocessing equipment, laboratory quality management, safety and maintenance practices.

Inclusion & Transformation

Applicants should demonstrate how the platform will reach a broad cross-section of the South African biotechnology ecosystem, including:

• Women-led enterprises
• Youth-led enterprises
• Black-owned biotechnology enterprises
• SMMEs beyond the host institution's immediate network
• Where relevant, SMMEs beyond the host's province. 

Application Process

Only one host entity will be selected.

A consortium cannot apply as a joint applicant, although relevant partnerships may be described in the application.

Applications must be submitted through the KoboToolbox online application platform. Email submissions will not be accepted.

Important Dates

Applications Open: 15 September 2026
Deadline for Queries: 1 October 2026 at 17:00 SAST
Application Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 17:00 SAST
Evaluation: 7–19 October 2026
Award Notification: 20 October 2026
Implementation: From November 2026

Click HERE to visit the official website.