South Africa Technology Approval Group and SA Industrial Technology Approval Group

Platform administrator(s):

Isle Utilities

Type of platform:

Matchmaking and marketplace, with collaborative funding opportunities.

Platform description:

Technology Approval Group (TAG) is an innovation forum of the world’s leading end-users of emerging water-related technologies. TAG accelerates the market uptake of ‘step-change’ technologies by engaging the industry during the pre-commercial stages of development and by leveraging external investment from venture capital investors. We operate TAG forums for water utilities and other industries in thirteen different regions around the world. TAG and iTAG meetings occur twice each per year, and provide an opportunity for South African water service providers, water service authorities and water boards to collaboratively review emerging technologies. This leads to technology demonstrations and collaborative trials to support the commercialisation of the technologies, and opportunities for local and carefully assessed international technologies to enter the market. The TAG forums in the other 12 countries offer South African technology presenters a route into overseas markets, provided that their technology is “TAG-ready” – i.e. at TRL 7 or above, scientifically validated, and economically viable. TAG members are the end users of emerging technologies and they pay an annual membership fee.

Platform services/benefits:

For technology companies: 

The global Technology Approval Group (TAG) programme represents a unique, no-cost opportunity for innovative companies. TAG is a forum for connecting innovators with people whose job it is to seek out new technology on behalf of large public and private sector organisations. Individually reaching out to these people through the normal channels is expensive and time consuming. Through TAG we bring them all together in one place, specifically to hear your pitch. There are regular TAG meetings in Europe, the US, Australia and the Philippines. Current themes include municipal water/wastewater (our longest running theme), industrial water and cleantech in the built environment.

The TAG programme is funded by the end-users, over 150 large organisations from around the world. Technology companies participate for free. Innovations are considered purely on technical and commercial merit.

• Unique opportunity to connect directly with potential customers
• Accelerated market uptake
• Invaluable industry feedback
• Advice and support from a global team of experienced innovation specialists
• Access to a network of investors and strategic partners

We are actively seeking companies like yours, with innovative ideas and technologies to:

• Enhance performance
• Reduce costs
• Improve environmental outcomes
• Boost customer/public relations

Generally speaking, the TAG programme is best suited to technologies that are market-ready or near-ready. However, we are still interested to hear about early-stage products. For topics of particular interest end-users do sometimes get involved early in the development process. If the time is not right for TAG we may be able to offer connections to funding or strategic partners.

For technology users seeking emerging technologies to solve current or future water management and/or treatment challenges:

The South Africa Technology Approval Group (SA TAG) is a confidential innovation forum for technology end-users in South Africa. There is an annual subscription fee and companies may opt to participate in the forum for one year or multiple years, in which case the subscription will be fixed until the multi-year agreement expires. Isle has several TAG programmes worldwide, each operating using similar principles and processes but tailored carefully to its location. SA TAG accelerates the adoption of new technologies that meet the technology users’ needs. Isle independently sources appropriate technologies and takes no fee from the selected technologies, ensuring the right companies can participate. (Similarly, Isle does not receive any income if a TAG participant trials or adopts a technology that was presented at a TAG meeting.) There are 157 TAG participants around the world with each TAG, including SA, split approx. 50/50 between publicly owned companies and the private sector.

Participating in SA TAG provides these benefits:

• Participation in private SA TAG meetings (two per year)
• Dedicated innovation workshops (one per year)
• Access to the TAG Portal (unlimited access)
• Access to Isle’s Ask-an-Expert Service (unlimited service)

SA TAG meetings (two per year)

Isle holds two meetings per year which all SA TAG members are invited to participate in. The process followed for each TAG meeting is:

• Technology Search

Isle’s global team of ±60 scientists and engineers searches for emerging technologies to match our TAG members’ needs. We consider technologies at all stages of development. For TAG, the focus is typically on products that are market (or near market) ready. For each meeting, Isle typically assesses 70-100 technologies for their applicability, local availability, and technical merit.

• Technology Selection

TAG members are presented with a selection of 10 technologies and vote on the ones which are best aligned to their own needs. The most popular present at the next TAG meeting.

• TAG Meeting

TAG particpants can send representatives to each TAG meeting where they watch each technology presenter for 15 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A and 15 minutes private discussion.

• Follow Up

TAG consists of a continuous, on-going programme of activities, such as direct introductions, collaborative trials, and consultancy work, initiated by the TAG meetings.

Innovation Workshop (one per year)

This is an exclusive workshop conducted in-house and dedicated to one TAG participant at a time to better understand the needs for innovation, the technology requirements, as well as capital and operational programmes in the short to medium term.  Isle can offer the participation of technology experts in your strategic planning process or a separate in-house workshop on your premises.

TAG Portal (unlimited access)

As a TAG participant, you have unlimited access to a continuously updated web-based TAG Portal containing hundreds novel technologies. This is a password protected service and TAG membership grants your company unlimited user logins from your domain.  The technologies on the TAG Portal have been put through a due diligence process in which technical claims and the business case are assessed. Portal entries present the critical details in a short, digestible format, without any marketing hype. Many technology profiles also include additional materials that aren’t in the public domain (such as feedback from TAG meetings they have presented to, videos of their TAG presentation, and exclusive datasheets). Technologies of interest can be contacted directly using the listed details, or you can contact your personal consultant at Isle for an in-depth briefing.

Ask-an-Expert Service (unlimited access)

TAG participants have access to Isle’s scientists and engineers whose role is to undertake technical due diligence assessments of new and emerging technologies. You may be contacted by technology providers, offering trials and trying to sell you their latest technologies. As a part of the TAG forum, you can refer them to for assessment.

Application details and instructions:

Contact Jo Burgess on jo.burgess@isleutilities.com or 082 953 3681 (number is also on WhatsApp) or Alisha Syal on alisha.syal@isleutilities.com or +44 741 137 6645  to start your conversation with Isle. We are always open to new technology companies and new TAG members, all year round.

The process for technology companies:

• We will identify an Isle team member with the appropriate expertise for your type of technology, and invite you to a teleconference for a detailed discussion of the TAG process and your product or solution (can be held under Non-Disclosure Agreement if required).
• You will be asked to provide a short written submission summarising your technology, including the business case and unique selling point (approx. 400 words; template provided).
• We will invite you to submit to one or more regional TAG processes, potentially culminating in presentations to expert technical panels made up of potential customers (TAG members).
• After your presentation we will arrange a feedback call and help you capitalise on any opportunities identified (follow up meetings, pilot trials, research partnerships, client relationships, etc.).

The process for technology users:

Platform terms and conditions:

For technology companies: There is no cost involved for technology providers (however we cannot provide reimbursement of expenses for attending TAG meetings).

For TAG members: An annual membership fee is payable and Isle’s standard terms of business apply.

Applicant eligibility criteria:

Technology providers need to offer a technology which passes Isle’s due diligence assessment.

TAG Members are technology users who are not competing technology providers.