The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Pre-Seed Fund 2026, implemented by Propella Business Incubator in the Eastern Cape, provides funding support for entrepreneurs and SMMEs developing early-stage technologies with potential for commercialisation and further growth.
The fund is intended to help innovators move their technologies beyond early development by supporting activities such as proof-of-concept development, prototype development, technology validation, technical feasibility studies and relevant market research.
Funding Available
The TIA SMME Seed Fund administered through Propella provides grant funding ranging from R50,000 to R650,000 per project. Funding is intended to support technology development and activities that can advance innovative products and services towards market readiness.
What the Funding Can Support
Funding may support activities including:
- Proof-of-concept development
- Prototype development and refinement
- Technology validation
- Technical feasibility studies
- Market research and viability assessments
- Production of market samples and associated testing
- Field studies to further develop technology, markets and customer needs
- Intellectual property support
- Certification activities
- Piloting and technology scale-up
- Business plan development
Priority Focus Areas
Applications are invited across TIA focus areas including:
- Health
- Agri-biotechnology
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Natural Resources
- Energy
- ICT
- Advanced Manufacturing
Preference will be given to projects contributing to:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Modernisation
- Health Innovation and Well-being
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability
- Digital Transformation and Inclusive Innovation
- Agricultural Innovation and Food Security
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at early-stage technology innovators, entrepreneurs and SMMEs developing technologies with potential for commercialisation.
Priority will be given to previously disadvantaged individual applicants, including:
- Youth
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear technology development need, market opportunity and credible pathway towards further development and commercialisation.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on factors including:
- Alignment with the objectives of the Seed Fund
- Demonstrated market need
- Stage of technology development
- Proposed activities and use of funding
- Team capability and ability to deliver
- Socio-economic impact
- Potential to attract follow-on funding
Important Applicant Information
The programme is intended for technologies that have a realistic pathway towards further development and commercialisation. Applicants should provide complete and accurate information and submit all required supporting information for assessment.
Applications are subject to evaluation and approval, and submission does not guarantee funding.
Propella's TIA Seed Fund information also highlights the importance of having a technology beyond the idea stage, demonstrating a working prototype and evidence of market need.
Geographic Scope
Eastern Cape, South Africa
The fund is implemented through Propella to support knowledge-economy-based SMMEs in the Eastern Cape.
Important Dates
Application deadline: 16 October 2026
Submission
Applications should be submitted through the designated application process.
Enquiries / Submission: Seed.Fund@tia.org.za