Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to appoint Seed Fund Implementing Partners by Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

✓ The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has issued a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to appoint Seed Fund Implementing Partners under its Seed Fund Programme (SFP).

✓ The Seed Fund Programme was established to address a persistent gap within South Africa’s National System of Innovation: the high failure rate of innovations that do not progress beyond proof-of-concept and early market validation stages. Many promising technologies struggle to secure structured support, technical validation, and early-stage funding required to reach commercial viability.

✓ Through this call, TIA seeks to appoint capable ecosystem organisations to collaborate in advancing early-stage technology-based innovations from proof-of-concept through piloting, validation, and commercial readiness.

The objective is to:
✓ Strengthen early-stage innovation support mechanisms
✓ Build a pipeline of investor-ready, technology-based ventures
✓ Improve commercialisation outcomes for South African-developed technologies
✓ Expand inclusive access to innovation support across priority provinces

This call is open to South African organisations with proven capability in early-stage innovation support, including:
✓ Technology incubators
✓ Accelerators
✓ Enterprise development agencies
✓ Emerging fund managers
✓ Ecosystem intermediaries with experience in deep-tech and technology commercialisation
✓ Universities and Technology Transfer Offices
✓ Science Councils
✓ Regional Development Agencies
✓ Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:
✓ Be a legally registered South African entity in good standing
✓ Have valid tax compliance status
✓ Demonstrate a verifiable track record in early-stage innovation support and technology commercialisation
✓ Demonstrate capacity, resources, and personnel to deliver services
✓ Commit to complying with the TIA Seed Fund Investment Framework

Geographic Focus

For proof-of-concept and validation support, priority provinces include:
✓ Mpumalanga
✓ North West
✓ Northern Cape
✓ Limpopo
✓ Free State
✓ KwaZulu-Natal

Scope of Work and Required Capabilities

TIA is seeking partners with demonstrated expertise in one or both of the following stages:
1. Proof-of-Concept and Technology Validation
✓ Support for innovators in early-stage development, including:
✓ Customer discovery processes
✓ Technical validation
✓ Early feasibility assessments

2. Technology Piloting, Market Validation and Access
✓Support for startups preparing for commercial entry, including:
✓ Pilot implementation
✓ Market demand validation
✓ Scaling readiness and investment preparation

Implementing Partners will be required to deliver:
✓ Pipeline development and deal origination
✓ Pre-incubation and pre-funding support programmes
✓ Screening and investment readiness support
✓ Technical, market, intellectual property, commercial and financial due diligence
✓ Post-investment monitoring and portfolio support
✓ Stakeholder engagement and facilitation of industry linkages

Participants will have the opportunity to:
✓ Present their projects to a panel of expert judges
✓ Gain national recognition and exposure
✓ Receive expert feedback and strategic insights
✓ Build connections with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs
✓ Unlock partnership, investment, and growth opportunities