Technology Innovation Agency · Entity of the Department of Science, Technology & Innovation
TIA Seed & Technology Fund
What TIA actually funds
TIA sits between science-council research on one side and private venture capital on the other. Its role is to move South African innovation from lab bench to a paying customer. That means TIA writes cheques for things banks will not: unproven prototypes, pilot lines, first customer trials, and technology-transfer agreements between universities and spin-outs.
You do not apply to "TIA". You apply to one of the three products below. Pick the wrong one and the application is bounced back for repositioning, costing weeks. The distinguishing question is where your idea sits on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ladder.
The three TIA products
Product 1
Seed Fund
Non-repayable grant to move an idea from concept to a working prototype. TRL 2 to 4. Delivered through 17 accredited Higher Education and Science Council Technology Transfer Offices. Individuals cannot apply direct; the TTO hosts the funding on your behalf.
Product 2
Technology Development Fund
Pre-commercial and scale-up capital. Convertible debt or grant depending on IP shape. TRL 4 to 7. Company must be South African-incorporated, majority South African-owned, and have a proof-of-concept beyond a lab demo.
Product 3
Fund of Funds
Co-investment alongside private venture partners in commercial-stage technology companies. TIA takes an equity stake (typically 15 to 30 per cent). TRL 7 to 9. Reserved for ventures that already have a lead investor from an accredited VC or corporate fund.
How to know which TIA product fits
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale runs 1 to 9. TIA maps its products directly onto it. If you are unsure, this ladder should settle it:
At a glance
Who qualifies
- South African-registered company, at least 51 per cent South African-owned
- Innovation in a priority sector: bio-economy, advanced manufacturing, energy, health, mining, or ICT
- Registered IP (or IP that is registrable) held by the applicant or licensed to it
- A business plan showing a route to first customer or first user
- For the Fund of Funds route, an existing lead VC or corporate co-investor committed on paper
How to apply
- Confirm which product fits using the TRL ladder above.
- For Seed Fund: approach the Technology Transfer Office of your university or science council. They lodge the application; you cannot apply direct.
- For Technology Development or Fund of Funds: register on the TIA online portal and complete the Expression of Interest form.
- Submit the technical dossier, IP protection status, financial model, and shareholder register.
- Attend the panel review. TIA convenes technical, market, and financial due-diligence panels sequentially.
- If approved, sign the Grant Agreement (or Investment Agreement for equity deals). Funds disburse against milestones.