TIA Grassroots Innovation Programme (up to R200 000)
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
Support for inventors without formal research backing: IP protection, prototype building, business-model coaching and start-up capital.
Amount
Deadline
Where
Who it is for
Sectors
Grassroots innovators, the backyard inventor with a working idea and no institution behind them, can get up to R200 000 for technology development and a further R60 000 in project fees per 12-month cycle. The programme includes individual coaching on the technical and business side, help with patents, compliance and a network of mentors.
It is deliberately practical: TIA wants inventions that solve a local problem and can be made and sold, from farming tools to water and energy devices.
Who qualifies
South African individual or small team with a demonstrable invention that is not the output of a formal R&D institution.
How to apply
Apply on tia.org.za under the Grassroots Innovation Programme when a call is open.
Insly is not the funder and charges nothing. Amounts and rules are as published by Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and were last checked 15 Sept 2026; confirm on their site before applying. No legitimate funder charges an application fee.