Change the world

The major funder of late stage research and development (R&D) projects is the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), which was formed in 2010. TIA funds projects based on novel technology ideas for either new or improved products, processes or services; or on existing technology ideas that can be further improved and exploited. TIA also funds the development of infrastructure and capacity building. The applicable stage of development of the idea is after basic research and before production. The project must be commercially viable. TIA Seed Fund grants up to R650 000 per project.

There are a number of calls for TIA Seed Fund applications throughout the year. Notifications for these calls will be sent out via the Nelson Mandela University Memo system. Please ensure that your application is submitted on the supplied template and meets the conditions and guidelines.

If you are a postgraduate student and your innovation falls within your field of study or if you are a staff member and the idea falls within your scope if work, the Innovation Office will assist you, provided your innovation has commercial potential.