Technology Innovation Agency TIA

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a pivotal institution in South Africa, established to foster technological innovation across all sectors of the economy with the aim of achieving socio-economic benefits and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness. Created by an act of the South African parliament on November 24, 2008, TIA operates under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) through the Technology Innovation Agency Act No.26 of 2008. Its core mandate encompasses the support and commercialization of research outputs from Higher Education Institutions, Science Councils, Public Entities, and private research institutions, with the ultimate goal of bringing these innovations to market​.

As a national public entity, TIA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and development across various sectors, including higher education institutions, science councils, public entities, and the private sector. Its primary objective centers on facilitating the commercialization and practical application of innovative technologies and ideas, thereby contributing to the advancement of the South African economy and society at large​.

TIA’s offerings are comprehensive, covering both financial and non-financial support to foster innovation. Financially, it provides funding to a wide range of entities, including Small Medium Micro Sized Enterprises (SMMEs), large companies, Science Councils, and Higher Education Institutions. The funding products include the Technology Development Fund, aimed at investing in high-potential projects at institutions for pre-competitive end-stage research and technology development, and the Youth Technology Innovation Fund, designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. On the non-financial side, TIA offers advisory services, technical and business support to investee companies to enhance the development of their products and services. Additionally, it supports Technology Stations and Platforms across Higher Education Institutions, serving as technology nurseries to develop new products and processes for industry and R&D-led entrepreneurs. TIA also emphasizes capacity building within the innovation value chain, offering specialized training and development programs in its focus areas​.

Through its strategic goals, TIA seeks to use South Africa’s science and technology base to develop new industries, create sustainable jobs, and help diversify the economy from commodity exports towards knowledge-based industries. This is aimed at addressing modern global challenges and achieving investments in sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Mining, ICT, Energy, Agriculture, Industrial Biotechnology, and Health​.