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Innovation – Apply now

Innovation – Apply now

smartxchange-admin2025-10-23T09:13:48+02:00

Something new? Something that doesn’t exist…yet?

Apply for Our Innovation Programme

We are dedicated to supporting groundbreaking innovations that address pressing global challenges and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our programme provides funding and resources to entrepreneurs and innovators who are ready to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.

Who Should Apply

Entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups with bold ideas and innovative solutions.

What We Offer

Innovation Funding

Financial support for innovative projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact.

Resource Provision

Access to essential resources, technical expertise, and mentorship to help you develop and scale your innovation.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with industry experts, investors, and potential collaborators to accelerate the growth of your innovation. Join a community of like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs who drive positive change and create a better future for all.

More info

HOW TO APPLY

Join us in our mission to promote the sustainable use of our ocean resources and ensure a healthy, thriving marine environment for future generations.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

- Step 1 of 8

Short Project Title

Project Title *

Name of Applicant: *

Gender *

City / Town in which applicant resides

Name of company (if applicable)

Company registration Number (if applicable)

Company address (if applicable)

Type of entity

Names of members

ID numbers of members *

Vat registration number

PAYE number

Telephone number (land line)

Cell phone *

Email Address *

Is the business or technology at a pre-revenue stage *

Number of employees (if applicable)

BEE status Level (if applicable)

Brief description of core business (if applicable)

Turnover in the last year (if applicable)

Total funds requested

Duration of project:

Identify the specific MICTE sector into which the project falls *

Media
Electronics
Information Communication Technology
Other

(specify) *

Identify the activity(ies) for which funding is sought *

Initial proof of concept
Sourcing of IP opinions/patent support
Refining and implementing designs
Support of certification activities
Detailed primary market research
Incubation support
Prototype development/improvement
Production of market samples and/or testing
Conducting field studies
Piloting, scale-up & techno-economic evaluation
Business plan development

Section 1: Project Description, Market Need & Solution

Concise description of the project:

What is the capability of the innovation? *

State the current Phase of project (eg. Idea; prototype; concept etc) *

Describe the innovation in your project *

What is the potential impact of the innovation on the society / community and economy? *

Problem/Market Need and solution:

State the problem/ market need that you are addressing? *

Specifically mention the technology (product/process/ service) that either has been or is still to be developed as the solution to your problem or market need. *

List the groups of people / target market who have this problem/need and are likely to pay to have it solved. *

Provide a list of anyone you know with the same or similar offering to yours. *

How is your solution better than similar or alternative offerings? *

Section 2: Intellectual Property

IP Position:

Do you have patents or other IP protection in place that pertains to the project? If so, who owns the IP and what does the patent/IP protection cover? *

If you do not own the IP, is there an agreement in place to use/ transfer the IP to your company? *

Is there a strong likelihood that you will develop IP that is patentable? If so, briefly describe potential IP. *

What do you see as the most difficult aspects for competitors to copy in your offering? *

Section 3: Project Plan & Budget

Complete below: (Please note that it is important that you complete this section as best as you can, relating it to your specific project)

Activities *

Duration *

Start Period *

End Period *

Deliverables *

Budget *

Please attach a brief summary of results on work already conducted on this project, if any.

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Provide information on prior funding received for this project (funder’s name, amount received and aspect of project funded) *

Have you recently approached other potential business partners/funders for financial support? If so, what is the status of your application? *

Section 4: Commercialisation

What further activities (beyond the activities listed in section 3 above) would be required before you can sell your offering? *

How do you intend to get your offering to the market e.g. Do you plan to license the offering to another company or manufacture and sell yourself? *

Section 5: Team

List the key members of the team involved in the project. Provide their qualifications and years of experience in that particular field. *

If part of a consortium, list external partners and role/contribution to project

Section 6: Project Risks

List any technical and/or commercial risks pertaining to the project and state how these risks will be mitigated.

Potential Risk *

Probability of Occurrence *

Impact of Problem *

Level or significance of Risk (Probability x Impact) *

Cause *

Planned Action *

Section 7: National Benefits

How will your offering benefit South Africa and/or South Africans? Please consider the following, as appropriate to the proposed project: *

Level and potential intensity of:

economic impact e.g. contribution to GDP growth, increased taxation revenue, meaningful job creation, increased and value added exports, increased competitiveness of industrial sectors and lowered net intellectual property cost,
increased highly skilled capacity and knowledge base and increased capabilities for technology innovation,
social impact including improvement in quality of life, and poverty alleviation and the potential impact in lowering barriers to entry for other South African technology innovations.

DECLARATIONI declare that:

I am duly authorised by the organisation or consortium, as applicable, named in this application to complete this form and to sign and submit this declaration, and in doing so the organisation or consortium, as applicable, is bound by this declaration.

I have read and understood the Funding Application criteria.

I am aware that there may be further information required by SmartXchange in respect of this application, and that my failure to provide requested information timeously may lead to a rejection of this application.

The information contained in this application plus any supporting information is to the best of my knowledge true, accurate and complete. I accept that SmartXchange has the right to terminate this application and/or any project funding that may ensue in instances where the information provided is found to be false, and where instances of fraud are detected.

Full Name *

First

Last

RSA ID Number

Date

For more information or assistance with your application, please contact us at info@smartxchange.co.za with the subject “Innovation” and your name/ company name.

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