The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) is intended to leverage collaborative partnerships between government and industry (working with academia), for applied research and development projects in science, engineering and technology on a cost-sharing basis, to produce highly skilled human resources and technology solutions, for an improved industry and enterprise competitiveness. 

The objective of the program is to develop new technologies for industry application and subsequent industrialisation and commercialisation, through applied research and development. 

Full description

The objective will be achieved by implementing amongst others: 

  • Improved knowledge exchange and technology transfer through increased interaction and mobility among researchers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Science, Engineering and Technology Institutions (SETIs) as well as technology personnel, in South African industries;
  • An increase in investment by industry and government, in applied research and technology development; and
  • Technology transfer and product or process improvement or development, through applied research collaboration between enterprises (large and small), HEIs and SETIs.

The applicant must: 

  • Be a registered legal entity in South Africa in terms of any of the following legislation:
    • The Companies Act, 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008) as amended;
    • The Close Corporations Act, 1984 (Act No. 69 of 1984) as amended; or
    •  The Co-operatives Act, 2005 (Act No. 14 of 2005) as amended; or 4.1.1.4 The Non-Profit Organisation Act, 1997 (Act 71 of 1997) as amended.
  • Have entered into a partnership agreement with at least one partner which should be  one of the following South African Research Institutions:  
    • South African Public Higher Education Institution (private HEIs are excluded);
    • Science, Engineering and Technology Institutions (SETI);
    • A National Research Facility.
  • Have a partnership agreement equal to or longer than the period of the THRIP project and remain valid for the entire duration of the THRIP project. In cases where a National Research Facility is the main partner, the arrangement for student bursaries must be clearly stated in the partnership agreement.
  • Be cognisant that THRIP provides hundred percent (100%) bursaries to qualifying South African students at Honours/BTech and postgraduate level (Masters or Doctor of Philosophy, i.e. PhD or Doctorate)
  • Ensure that at least fifty percent (50%) of the students participating in a THRIP project are Black South African citizens at each milestone claim and for the duration of the project.

Brochures and other documents