SOUTH AFRICA-CUBA Biotechnology Collaboration Call

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South Africa, and BioCubaFarma (BCF), Cuba, have extended their joint Expression of Interest (EOI): South Africa–Cuba Biotechnology Collaboration to Friday, 27 February 2026. This EOI seeks South African partners to collaborate with Cuban institutions on technology transfer, joint development, and joint ventures for innovative biotech products, with a strong focus on therapies for neurodegenerative and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, lung cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease. The collaboration aims to internationalise promising South African and Cuban biotechnology products, accelerate global technology transfer, and support cross-border commercialisation through co-development projects and technology transfer initiatives.

Eligible countries

• South Africa – entities based in South Africa may submit EOIs and partner with Cuban institutions.
• Cuba – Cuban biotech and research institutions participate as technology owners and co-development partners (e.g. CNEURO, CIGB, CIM, AICA).

(For your portal, you can state: “Eligible countries: South Africa (EOI applicants) in partnership with Cuban institutions.”)

Key details

Key dates

• Original call period: 2025/2026 cycle.
• Extended deadline for EOI submissions: Friday, 27 February 2026.

Funding / support

• The call text and profiles emphasise financial and non-financial support to bring products to market (exact grant/loan amounts are not specified in the public call documents).
• Support covers collaborative R&D, technology transfer, clinical and product development, and commercialisation readiness activities.

Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:

• Be biotechnology companies, research institutions, universities, or healthcare innovators with capabilities in biotech, clinical research, diagnostics, or therapeutic development.
• Be based in South Africa, collaborating with Cuban partners (BioCubaFarma institutions such as CNEURO, CIGB, CIM, AICA).
• Demonstrate capacity for collaborative research, product development, and cross-border innovation, including prior experience with similar initiatives.
• Submit complete EOI documentation (no late or incorrectly submitted EOIs will be considered).

Scope and thematic focus

• Co-development and technology transfer projects in biotechnology for health, including therapeutic and diagnostic products.
• Priority therapeutic areas include:
  • Parkinson’s Disease (e.g. CNEURO 221)
  • Multiple Sclerosis and ischemic conditions (Phycocyanobilin / PCB)
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia (CNEURO 201, NeuralCIM)
  • Lung cancer / NSCLC (CIMAvax-EGF)
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CIMEDIT)

Submission requirements
EOI submissions should include:

• Cover letter expressing interest
• Company/organisation profile and relevant experience
• Project proposal or collaboration concept (technology transfer and/or co-development)
• Supporting technical documentation (case studies, capabilities, prior projects)
• Completed questionnaire (as per TIA–BCF EOI documentation)
• CVs and valid identification documents for both South African and Cuban participants involved in the proposed collaboration.

Contact details

For inquiries and submissions:

• Primary contact email: tia-bcf@tia.org.za

  Click HERE to apply​