Innovation Fund Overview

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.

 
Our Mandate & Policies

Discover South Africa's Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation!

 
Our Objectives
Leverage Private Capital

Attract additional private sector investments into South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and venture capital industry.

Stimulate Innovation

Encourage the development and commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property as well as innovative products and services.

Support Startups & Tech-enabled SMMEs

Provide catalytic (risk) capital backing to early-stage startups and tech-enabled SMMEs.

Build a Resilient Innovation Ecosystem

Strengthen infrastructure and support systems for innovation and venture building, including venture studios, incubators, accelerators, hubs, etc. to ensure a robust and interconnected ecosystem.

Foster Talent

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!

 
Our Partners

Innovation Fund Overview

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.

 
Our Mandate & Policies

Discover South Africa's Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation!

 
Our Objectives
Leverage Private Capital

Attract additional private sector investments into South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and venture capital industry.

Stimulate Innovation

Encourage the development and commercialisation of locally developed intellectual property as well as innovative products and services.

Support Startups & Tech-enabled SMMEs

Provide catalytic (risk) capital backing to early-stage startups and tech-enabled SMMEs.

Build a Resilient Innovation Ecosystem

Strengthen infrastructure and support systems for innovation and venture building, including venture studios, incubators, accelerators, hubs, etc. to ensure a robust and interconnected ecosystem.

Foster Talent

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!

 
Our Partners

Innovation Capital

Funds Disbursed

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.

 
Our Partners

Innovation Investments

Funded Startups & Projects

In a world of rising customer expectations, reputable brands perpetually see the need to move at the speed of technology to catch up. Therefore, KTO Digital was launched to offer unfathomable expertise across the entire customer journey, including technology, digital commerce, IT consultancy, ERP/CRM, UX/UI, data aggregation, brand production, and communication to offer end-to-end solutions that deliver trailblazing innovation.

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Lepsta is a trailblazing software company revolutionizing remote team collaboration. The Lepsta’s Platform is an automation, task review, and real-time visibility are catalysts for efficiency, offering a strategic investment opportunity in the future of work. Join us as we redefine the collaborative landscape and shape the way businesses operate in an increasingly remote-centric world.

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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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MycoSure is a purpose-orientated South African Food & Bio Tech company on a quest to dramatically improve the food system using the power of mycelium. Mycelium is the root structure of fungi. MycoSure has developed innovative technology to produce mycelium-based protein (myco-protein) using submerged biomass fermentation. Myco-protein is a healthy (high protein, high fibre, and low fat) and highly versatile ingredient with multiple food and beverage applications which can be grown in bioreactors in a few days. Effectively, MycoSure is leveraging a natural process to produce sustainable protein

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Innovation Reports

Insights

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.

 
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Reports

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!

 
Our Partners