Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMMEs in South Africa

Programme administrator:

Global Cleantech Innovation Programme- South Africa

Type of programme:

Acceleration Programme

Programme description:

The GCIP-SA is part of a global initiative aimed at promoting clean technology innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in growing their SMMEs and start-ups into viable, investment-ready businesses. In South Africa, the programme was incorporated into the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) on 1 January 2018, after four years as a donor-funded project. Founding partners of the programme were the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO – Project Developer and International Implementer), the Global Environment Facility (GEF – Funder) and TIA (National Implementer and Country Host). The main knowledge partner of the global programme is the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN).

Location of programme:

Programme kick-start depend on where majority of participants are, for all previous years it has been Gauteng and that’s where the programme was hosted. After the kick-start we have business clinics, mock-judging and round 2 judging which happen regionally  in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Programme duration:

4 – 6 months

Programme application windows:

Annual call for applications typically towards October/November. Visit http://southafrica.cleantechopen.org/

Programme breakdown:

National Academy – 3days

Business Clinics – 2 days per region

Mock Judging – 1 day per region

Round 2 Judging – 1 day per region

Mentorship – used as needed (mentors are available for at least 2 hours a week

Global Webinars (Business model, go-to-market tactics, funding & financing, IP, product development etc.) – twice a week for the duration of the programme (connection from anywhere, normally takes place after working hours to accommodate all the participating countries)

Type of support offered:

Training, Mentoring, Access to Capital, Showcasing and Awards

Resources available for participants:

Business training methodology, general and specialist mentors

Applicant eligibility criteria:

• Be new and ground-breaking or incorporate adaptation of existing technologies; or use existing technologies in unique applications
• Have protectable Intellectual Property
• Demonstrate a feasible concept and product with potential for commercialisation
• Technology stage: Proof of concept up to pre-commercialisation
• Team size: At least two people, one of whom is a SA citizen or legal alien

Programme costs:

No costs involved.

Programme application instructions:

Online – link to be shared when the call opens. Anyone interested can email GCIP-SA so that we keep them on the database and share the call once it is out.