Call for Expression of Interest: TIA (IKS)-Chemin
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in partnership with the Chemistry Incubator (CHEMIN) would like to invite SMMEs and co-operatives in the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) sector to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the development and commercialisation of IKS-based innovations. This call is targeted at bio-based based innovations in the areas of Health Infusions, Cosmeceuticals, Nutraceuticals and African Traditional Medicine (human and veterinary health). The said IK-based innovations must be developed from indigenous biodiversity or extracts thereof, and such development be informed, inspired, or based on IKS.
EoI Parameters:
- Funding type - Conditional Grant
- Funding Limit - R 1 000 000
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL)/Stage of Development - 3 - 8
- Focus Areas - Cosmeceuticals, African Traditional Medicines (both human and veterinary health), Health Infusions and Nutraceuticals
- Funding Period Guideline - Maximum 12 – 18 months
Chemin will provide the following:
- Infrastructure and skilled human resource support (such as scientists, technologists, process engineers, etc.)
- Technical incubation support
- Analytical support, shelf life, nutritional studies, experts in medicinal chemistry and quality control
- Bio-based product development, formulation and labelling or packaging
- Business and marketing entrepreneurship
- Mentoring and training in processing and manufacturing
- Liaise with other organisations to build and expand the network of the SMME, and
- Facilitation of the acquisition of permits and licenses for successful applicants.
Click here to download the application form.
Requirements
- Applying SMMEs must have a South African-owned company that is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- Valid tax clearance certificate or pin code
- Company Profile
- Identity Document
- Initial product, process (comprehensive technology package) and prototypes development
- Demonstration of potential or current markets (verifiable market interest) and business plan
- The applicant must demonstrate competitive know-how
- The potential for greater economic and social impact through, for example clear local manufacture and job creation opportunities
- Current company financials (if any)
- Clear description of the type of technical assistance required, prioritised in terms of commercial market requirements
- A 2% royalty fee from revenue generated per annum from the successful commercialisation of the funded project may be levied back to the fund, up to 1.5 x the funded amount
- Preference will be given to the following in underserved regions of South Africa:
- SMMEs and Co-operatives owned and managed by women
- Co-operatives and SMMEs owned and managed by people with disabilities
- Co-operatives and SMMEs owned and managed by the Youth [persons under the age of 35 years in the year of application]
- Co-operatives and SMMEs owned by previously disadvantaged people [in terms of race].
Exclusions
The following will not be covered under this call:
- Request for equipment
- Requests for infrastructure or purchase of land
- Requests for start-up costs
- Requests for operational costs (for example salaries, rent, telephone)
- Requests to establish farming enterprises of the plants (for example primary agriculture)
- Equity holding or purchase rights
- Clinical trials
- Accreditation of facilities.