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The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) are calling for the submission of funding applications from implementing agents for a Water, Energy and Food (WEF) Living Lab in Masia Village, Vhembe District, Limpopo province.

Funding Information

• Grant funding up to a maximum of R2,5m. TIA will retain the first right of refusal to fund any innovation outputs of the project; and the duration of the project shall be for a maximum period of 18 months. Any beyond this should be well motivated, clearly indicating the deliverables associated with the extended period and reasons why it is not feasible to complete the project within the given period.

Eligible Activities

• The following is a list of fundable activities:

  • The development and commercialisation of solutions in the Water, Energy and Food nexus that responds to community challenges and contributes to the local economy.

  • Capacity building activities for grassroots innovators (particularly youth) and emerging innovative enterprises, through product development, training, and mentoring (incubation).

  • Activation activities, bridging programme for innovation and a dedicated Innovation Support Programme for selected beneficiaries for a 6-12 month duration.

  • Setting up of the Living Lab into a creative and transformative space

  • Innovation infrastructure

  • Market Access platforms

Ineligible Activities

• The following is a list of non-fundable activities:

  • Operational activities not related to innovation activities (e.g., short literacy courses for health care practitioners).

  • Research projects.

  • Student bursaries, research projects and extended periods of work.

  • Office equipment (printers, furniture etc.), except for specialised equipment that is within the budget constraints and required to enable innovation activities; and

  • Infrastructure development such as buildings, ICT infrastructure, electric power supply, ablution facilities, security etc.

Assessment Criteria

• Minimum criteria to be considered:

  • The Innovation Support Programme has been clearly articulated.

  • Targeted beneficiaries (geographic location, marginalised communities, youth innovative enterprises).

  • The proposal has articulated the local community needs within the Water, Energy and Food nexus identified through available research.

  • Compliance with the specifications of this call for proposals; and

  • A sustainability plan for the living lab has been articulated and a track record of attracting partnerships and funding has been demonstrated

• Other criteria to be considered:

  • The proposal meets the requirements for funding as per fundable activities.

  • The proposal represents an active collaboration with the community and at least two other actors – local innovator/s, industry, and public sector/government/research institution.

  • The project timeline is feasible given the scope of the project.

  • A clear, relevant community or local economy need in the focus area of Water, Energy and Food nexus in marginalized communities has been articulated.

  • The outcomes will contribute to an innovation pipeline with innovation outputs that address community needs.

  • The amount of funding that could potentially be attracted/leveraged from other partners beyond TIA funding.

  • The team capabilities; and

  • The governance, financial and operational systems are in place to manage and account for the grant.

Eligibility

• Implementors who have a demonstrable track record of working in communities and have demonstrated the ability to deliver Innovation Support Programmes in the Water, Energy and Food nexus.

• Living Labs currently funded through the DSTI Living Labs Programme are eligible to apply.

• The implementor must demonstrate competence in collaborating with various local actors (especially government, academia, communities, enterprises and innovators) to develop solutions within the Water, Energy and Food nexus that can create local economic opportunities.

• Applications will only be accepted from organisations/entities with offices/operations in the Limpopo province.

Post Date: February 12, 2025