Technology Innovation Agency & Funding

Do you like to invent things which could make you and your community’s live easier? Are you a South African Citizen between 18 and 30 years of age? Then you are a candidate for funding and assistance from the Youth Technology Innovation Fund, which could help you make your innovation a reality. The Youth Technology Innovation Fund Youth was established by the Technology Innovation Agency. For more we spoke toDr Margaret Nkhosi, who is in charge of the Fund.

Source: http://www.tia.org.za/about-us.php

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) was established in terms of the TIA Act, 2008 (Act No. 26 of 2008), with the objective of stimulating and intensifying technological innovation in order to improve economic growth and the quality of life of all South Africans by developing and exploiting technological innovations.

TIA’s core business objective is to support the development and commercialisation of competitive technology-based services and products. The Agency primarily uses South Africa’s science and technology base to develop new industries, create sustainable jobs and help diversify the economy. It invests in the following technology sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Industrial Biotechnology, Health, Mining, Energy and ICT.

THE MERGER

TIA was formed through merging seven DST entities previously tasked with supporting and promoting innovation in the country. These entities included the Innovation Fund, Tshumisano Trust, Cape Biotech Trust, PlantBio Trust, LIFElab, BioPAD Trust, and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (AMTS).

SERVICES

The Agency seeks to achieve its mandate by providing Financial and Non-Financial Support to its stakeholders, namely, Science Councils, Public Entities, Higher Education Institutions, private research institutions and entrepreneurs.

For more on The Technology Innovation Agency go to http://www.tia.org.za