Propella Business Incubator (Pty) Ltd, as an Implementing Partner for the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), invites applications for the SMME Seed Fund Programme in Nelson Mandela Bay. This initiative assists knowledge economy-based SMMEs to access funding to advance their innovative ideas to market.
Programme Overview and Focus Areas
The proposal call focuses on all TIA sectors, with priority given to Biosimilars, Smart Agriculture, Industrial Biotech (Bioremediation, Biomaterials, and Biocatalysis), and Indigenous Knowledge System related technologies (African Traditional Medicines, Cosmeceuticals, Nutraceuticals, and Health Infusions). Other sectors include Advanced Manufacturing and Energy.
Funding Parameters
The broad parameters of the funding are:
- Grant Funding up to R650,000 per application
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to 7
- Alignment with fundable activities
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificates for company or individual applying
- TIA reserves the right of First Refusal for follow-on funding
Fundable Activities
Funding will be directed at SMMEs and entrepreneurs requiring assistance to establish and validate their commercial and technical proof-of-concept via the following activities:
- Prototype development and evaluating prototypes against customer requirements
- Turning prototypes into pre-production products (scale-up and piloting)
- Activities leading to technology co-development
- Licensing of technology to manufacturers and for distribution
- Transfer of technology for development and manufacture
- Design development and support of certification activities through SABS or equivalent
- Purchase of hardware for scale-up from prototypes
- Supporting IP protection maintenance costs
- Detailed primary market research
- Business plan development
Activities That Do Not Qualify
The following activities will not qualify for funding support:
- Working Capital
- Human resource costs except with software development – human capacity needed for project duration
- Purchasing of equipment that is not within the applicant’s scope of work and relevant to the allowable activities and objective of their application
Eligibility and Target Applicants
- Knowledge economy-based SMMEs based in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas at TRL 3 to 7
- Companies or individuals with valid Tax Clearance Certificates
- Projects with potential for further investment and development by funders
Related opportunity: AGDA Agricultural Business Pitch Competition | Apply Now
Application Process and Deadline
An application template can be obtained from the Propella website or via email request to Sinazo Jack at sinazo@propellaincubator.co.za. Completed applications must be submitted via email to Sinazo Jack by 30 October. Shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a short Zoom presentation to a selection panel.
Apply Now: Propella Business Incubator | Download Application Form | Email: sinazo@propellaincubator.co.za
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