The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (Swiss IPI), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), is hosting the 2026 SSaIP-NIPMO-TIA MSME/SMME IP Commercialisation Workshop from 18–20 February 2026 at the Sun City Conference Centre. This exclusive, invitation-only 3-day intensive programme is designed to empower South African small and medium enterprises with the practical tools needed to protect, leverage, and monetise intellectual property—turning innovation into scalable business value.
The workshop targets early-stage innovators, tech founders, and research-led entrepreneurs who have moved beyond idea stage and are ready to commercialise.
Why IP Commercialisation Matters for South African SMMEs
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property is not just legal protection—it’s strategic capital. Yet many SMMEs lack the skills to navigate licensing agreements, brand positioning, or investor engagement. This workshop fills that gap by:
- Translating complex IP frameworks into actionable business strategies
- Aligning commercialisation support with South Africa’s Just Transition and inclusive growth goals
- Building confidence to negotiate, protect, and scale IP-backed ventures
- Connecting innovators to national support ecosystems for sustained growth
Programme Highlights: Practical Skills for Real-World Impact
Participants will engage in hands-on sessions led by industry experts, covering:
- IP Licensing & Negotiation: Structuring fair, enforceable agreements—including term, territory, royalties, and exclusivity clauses
- Brand Journey Mapping: From invention to market identity—building defensible, resonant brands rooted in IP
- Investor-Ready Pitching: Crafting compelling narratives that highlight IP assets, market potential, and scalability
- Case studies from successful local ventures that leveraged IP to attract funding and enter new markets
Who Should Attend?
The workshop is open to:
- South African SMMEs and start-ups with registered IP (provisional or granted)
- University spin-outs and research teams with patentable innovations
- Social enterprises and tech developers seeking market entry
- Founders actively preparing for seed or Series A funding
Preference will be given to businesses owned by Black, women, youth, and persons with disabilities—and those operating in priority sectors such as ICT, agri-tech, healthtech, green tech, and advanced manufacturing.
Related opportunity: SAICA ED 8-Month Support for Black-Owned SMMEs – Apply Now
Key Details
- Dates: 18–20 February 2026
- Venue: Sun City Conference Centre, North West Province
- Format: In-person, full attendance required
- Cost: Fully funded (no registration fee)
- Applications close: 25 March 2026 (early submission strongly encouraged due to limited capacity)
For verification, updates, or direct inquiries, contact DSTI Communications or visit the primary programme hub:
www.dsti.gov.za
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