NCIF Innovator of the Month – Applications Now Open

The Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) is calling for applications for its Innovator of the Month campaign, which recognises individuals and MSMEs with impactful, innovation‑driven ideas or projects in their community or industry. Winners gain visibility across NCIF platforms, automatic access to the RSIP/CSIR Annual Innovation Competition (ARIC/RSIP Regional Innovation Challenge) pipeline, and may become eligible for up to R150 000 in innovation support funding and mentorship through the NCIF Innovation Support and Mentorship Programme.

Eligible countries

• South Africa – The opportunity is targeted at innovators and organisations operating in the Northern Cape Province and broader South African innovation ecosystem, as it is managed by the Northern Cape Innovation Forum based in Upington.​

Who can apply

NCIF welcomes a broad range of applicants working on tech‑enabled or innovation‑driven solutions:

• Tech‑based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Innovators (independent or within organisations)
• Students (university, TVET, college or school‑based innovators)
• Entrepreneurs (start‑ups or early‑stage ventures)
• Hobbyists and makers developing creative or experimental projects

Applicants should have an idea, prototype or running project that addresses a real problem or opportunity in their community, industry, or sector (for example, technology, social innovation, energy, agriculture, education, health or services).

Why participate

By entering the Innovator of the Month campaign, selected applicants can:

• Be recognised and crowned Innovator of the Month by NCIF.
• Receive promotion and exposure across NCIF’s communication channels (Facebook, website and other platforms).
• Automatically qualify for consideration in the RSIP/CSIR Annual Innovation Competition / Regional Innovation Challenge, giving access to larger provincial and national platforms.
• Gain access to the NCIF Innovation Support and Mentorship Programme, which can include up to R150 000 in innovation support funding and structured mentorship to help develop and scale the innovation.
• Expand their innovation network by connecting with other innovators, mentors, industry, academia and government stakeholders in the Northern Cape ecosystem.

How it works and what is supported

NCIF uses the campaign to identify promising innovations at grassroots and MSME level and connect them into its broader platform offerings, which include:

• Innovation support and mentorship – structured mentorship programmes linking innovators and entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, support organisations and potential partners.
• Networking and ecosystem access – opportunities to engage with academia, government, investors, corporates and support agencies in the province.

Application process and deadline

Applicants can submit their nominations/applications through several accessible channels:

1. Online application form
   • Apply via the Google Forms link: https://forms.gle/C4L4JneWgYmsPG3L7.
2. Email / WhatsApp
   • Email: ncif@spu.ac.za
   • WhatsApp: 073 358 8733
3. Via NCIF website
   • Visit www.ncif.co.za
   • Navigate to the “News” tab, then “Open Calls”, find the Innovator of the Month post and click the application link in the description.​

Closing date for submissions: 22 February 2026.