Call for applications: TIA-Unisa Seed Fund

Unisa, through the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC), in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), invites Unisa researchers to apply for the TIA-Unisa Seed Fund.

The Seed Fund is designed to support the maturation and commercialisation of intellectual property and promising innovations emanating from the university, helping translate research into technologies with real-world potential. 

The programme supports projects from TRL 3 to TRL 7, with:

• Funding: Up to R1 million, with the possibility of a further R500 000 based on performance
• Funding instrument: Grant
• Duration: Up to 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 18 months
• Focus: Open to all Unisa technologies, with projects aligned to Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas considered for support.     

Important dates

Online information sessions:

• Thursday 8 October 2026
• Thursday 15 October 2026 

Applications close: Friday 23 October 2026

• Click here to register for the information sessions.
• Click here for more information.

For enquiries, contact kunendq@unisa.ac.za or innovation@unisa.ac.za

Turn your research into impact. Apply for the TIA-Unisa Seed Fund.