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

MANTRA 2nd Open Call – Support for Manufacturing SMEs

Overview

The MANTRA (Sustainable and Innovative Manufacturing by Ensuring Digital, Green, and Social SME Transformation) 2nd Open Call supports European manufacturing SMEs undertaking practical green, digital and social transformation projects.

The ICC TradeRoots Africa Programme, led by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Centre of Entrepreneurship, is designed to help African SMEs build the knowledge, tools, connections and capabilities needed to expand into African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The programme will support 1,000 SMEs through its first tier and provide a structured pathway from export readiness to concrete market opportunities, trade finance and export transactions. 

The Circular Innovation Challenge 2026 is seeking innovative businesses in Southern Africa with solutions that are beyond the ideation stage and ready to move into testing, implementation or scaling.

The challenge is focused on circular solutions that:

• Reduce waste.
• Keep materials in use.
• Regenerate nature.
• Create social and economic value.
• Support jobs and wellbeing.

Solutions are expected to contribute to a transition from a linear to a circular economy.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Shell Lubricants is inviting South African entrepreneurs and existing businesses to become part of its distribution and workshop network, providing access to world-class Shell lubricants, alongside support intended to strengthen business operations, customer growth and product marketing.

The programme offers different participation pathways depending on the applicant's business:

The 2026 South Africa MedTech Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support innovative technologies that can modernise healthcare delivery through the integration of smart devices, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitally connected clinical workflows. The Challenge focuses specifically on transforming mechanical, analogue and legacy diagnostic, therapeutic and assistive systems into more intelligent, connected and accessible healthcare solutions.