Innovation Fund Overview
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South Africa is driving innovation to attract private sector investment, create jobs, and enhance economic competitiveness. Through targeted innovation funding programmes, the fund is empowering startups and tech-enabled SMEs to scale and succeed. Be part of this transformative movement and help shape the future of our economy. Innovative startups and tech-driven SMEs are the backbone of economic growth and job creation. Yet, too many fail due to a lack of early-stage funding. The Innovation Fund is here to change that. Established as a pilot, the fund is designed to bridge the critical funding gap, accelerate the commercialization of locally developed intellectual property, and drive the growth of high-tech enterprises. By de-risking early-stage investments, we are building a pipeline of sustainable, high-growth startups, ensuring South African innovation competes on a global scale. |
Discover South Africa's Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation!
Attract additional private sector investments into South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and venture capital industry.
Encourage the development and commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property as well as innovative products and services.
Provide catalytic (risk) capital backing to early-stage startups and tech-enabled SMMEs.
Strengthen infrastructure and support systems for innovation and venture building, including venture studios, incubators, accelerators, hubs, etc. to ensure a robust and interconnected ecosystem.
Build the human capabilities necessary to strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Download the Innovation Fund report now and explore how we’re driving startup growth, innovation, and economic transformation. Get your copy today!
Innovation Fund Overview
|
South Africa is driving innovation to attract private sector investment, create jobs, and enhance economic competitiveness. Through targeted innovation funding programmes, the fund is empowering startups and tech-enabled SMEs to scale and succeed. Be part of this transformative movement and help shape the future of our economy. Innovative startups and tech-driven SMEs are the backbone of economic growth and job creation. Yet, too many fail due to a lack of early-stage funding. The Innovation Fund is here to change that. Established as a pilot, the fund is designed to bridge the critical funding gap, accelerate the commercialization of locally developed intellectual property, and drive the growth of high-tech enterprises. By de-risking early-stage investments, we are building a pipeline of sustainable, high-growth startups, ensuring South African innovation competes on a global scale. |
Discover South Africa's Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation!
Attract additional private sector investments into South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and venture capital industry.
Encourage the development and commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property as well as innovative products and services.
Provide catalytic (risk) capital backing to early-stage startups and tech-enabled SMMEs.
Strengthen infrastructure and support systems for innovation and venture building, including venture studios, incubators, accelerators, hubs, etc. to ensure a robust and interconnected ecosystem.
Build the human capabilities necessary to strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Download the Innovation Fund report now and explore how we’re driving startup growth, innovation, and economic transformation. Get your copy today!
Innovation Capital
The Innovation Fund has continued to fuel South Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting its implementing partners through multiple Venture Capital Funds. Through its direct investment model, the Fund has also partnered with 27Four, Anza Capital and CSIR C3 strengthening access to finance for game-changing start-ups and SMEs.
Click on each Venture Capital Fund's logo to discover how they are powering innovation and shaping South Africa’s future.
Innovation Investments
MiDesk Global is a social innovation organization dedicated to transforming education for children affected by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and rural challenges. Inspired by the simple yet powerful idea that every child deserves a dignified learning space, MiDesk developed a portable, multi-functional desk that doubles as a school bag and chair, equipped with solar lighting, USB charging, and made from durable, sustainable materials. By bridging the gap between home and school environments, MiDesk Global empowers learners, promotes educational equity, and uplifts communities, ensuring
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MariHealth Solutions transforms complex data into actionable insights, empowering customers to make the most informed decisions by using deep data analytics and bioinformatics. MariHealth Solutions offers a fast, cost-effective health monitoring service using a suite of protein biomarkers of stress in farmed abalone. The aim is to ensure the sustainability of the abalone farming industry by allowing early detection of stress (caused by several factors such as stocking densities, handling, and increasing environmental stress due to climate change) - allowing rapid application of measures to
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North-West University's Backchat is a computer software program developed at the North-West University (NWU) designed to provide personalized, interactive, and large-scale audio feedback for student assignments, easing the burden on lecturers. The program allows lecturers to record audio comments that can include both pre-recorded feedback for common errors and unique, specific comments for individual students, integrating them seamlessly for efficient and effective feedback delivery.
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Precision medicine, as implemented by Artisan Biomed (a subsidiary of CPGR), involves using 'omics' technologies like genetics and genomics to create personalized healthcare plans. CPGR developed Artisan Biomed to translate advanced genomic research into practical, DNA-based diagnostic and clinical interpretation services in Africa. These services, exemplified by the Mediclinic Precise program, offer tailored approaches for wellness, disease prevention, and health management, particularly in fields like oncology and pharmacogenetics.
Read moreInnovation Fund Open and Closed Calls
Innovation Reports
Stay informed with our latest publications, reports, success stories and insights—your gateway to understanding how innovation is shaping the future. Discover how groundbreaking technologies, impactful collaborations are transforming industries and communities.
The Innovation Fund is committed to fuelling South Africa's potential through strategic investments that drive economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. The fund provides innovators with access to networks and capital, empowering them to develop solutions that not only enhance quality of life but also promote environmental sustainability.
Explore our latest reports and be part of the ecosystem!