The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have launched a new Expression of Interest (EoI) for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Innovation Cluster (APIIC). This initiative aims to strengthen South Africa’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities by supporting the translational development of small-molecule APIs from laboratory scale to pilot-scale production.
Strengthening Local Medicine Manufacturing
South Africa’s reliance on imported medicines and APIs has created a significant trade deficit and supply risks. To address these challenges, the APIIC seeks to boost local API production and reduce dependency on imports by developing advanced and competitive manufacturing processes.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open to South African researchers, universities, science councils, public research organisations, and registered enterprises seeking to scale their proof-of-concept API or advanced intermediate processes to a hundred-gram to kilogram scale (Technology Readiness Level 3 to TRL6+).
Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. Women and researchers from previously disadvantaged institutions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Focus Areas for Development
Proposals should focus on synthetic improvements that make production more competitive. These may include:
- New or alternative synthesis routes with fewer steps or better yields
- Use of cheaper or greener materials
- Improved scalability and waste reduction
- Integration of batch, continuous flow, biocatalytic, or hybrid processes
Priority will be given to projects targeting APIs:
- Listed on South Africa’s essential medicines list, especially those with expired patents
- In high demand across the African continent, such as antibiotics, antiretrovirals, and antimalarials
What Support is Offered
Successful applicants will gain access to CSIR’s FuturePHARMA facility and CPT Pharma’s API+ Laboratory, which provide infrastructure, expertise, and analytical support for scaling and optimizing API production.
Support includes:
- Use of state-of-the-art facilities and expert personnel
- Process validation and techno-economic analysis
- Mentorship and training in modern manufacturing technologies
- Analytical and method development assistance (UPLC-MS, GC, NMR)
Important Dates and Application Details
- EoI Release Date: 23 September 2025
- Closing Date: 31 October 2025, 17:00 CAT
- Notification of Awards: December 2025
Applications must include a completed proposal template, CV of the principal investigator, and relevant B-BBEE and CIPC registration documents for enterprises.
All applications must be submitted to Dr Jenny-Lee Panayides at APIIC@csir.co.za before the deadline.
Related opportunity: TIA Calls for Indigenous Knowledge-Based Skin & Personal Care Innovations
Documents to Download
For full details and application templates, download the official documents:
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