TIA Seed Fund for early-stage technology
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
Small grants to turn research and early ideas into prototypes and fundable technology ventures, channelled through universities, science councils and incubators.
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The Seed Fund is TIA's entry point. It supports work from proof of concept to prototype (technology readiness levels 3 to 8): building the first version, testing it, protecting the intellectual property, and packaging the venture for follow-on investors. Recent calls have funded up to about R650 000 per project.
Applications do not go to TIA directly: university technology transfer offices, science councils and accredited incubators run the programme for their researchers, students and SMMEs, and TIA publishes the list of partners.
Who qualifies
South African researcher, student, start-up or SMME with a technology-based idea, applying via a TIA seed fund partner (university TTO, science council or incubator).
How to apply
Contact a listed Seed Fund partner on tia.org.za; they screen and submit projects to TIA.
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.