We are passionate about fostering innovation, so if you have a new idea or business concept, apply now and let us give you a Smart Start.
Innovation Funding
Securing seed funding or finding angel investors has always been challenging in the South African landscape. Many people with great ideas are often frustrated by the lack of financial resources, creating a barrier that prevents their dreams from becoming a reality.
We encourage the submission of qualifying projects to SmartXchange, which focuses on applied research that leads to the creation of products, processes, or services that can be commercialised to advance the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals.
By supporting MSME’s and entrepreneurs, we help bring impactful innovations to life.
Innovation Funding
Securing seed funding or finding angel investors has always been challenging in the South African landscape. Many people with great ideas are often frustrated by the lack of financial resources, creating a barrier that prevents their dreams from becoming a reality. We encourage the submission of qualifying projects to SmartXchange, which focuses on applied research that leads to the creation of products, processes, or services that can be commercialised to advance the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals.
By supporting MSME’s and entrepreneurs, we help bring impactful innovations to life.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be an entrepreneur or MSME.
- There is a clear market need, and the technology is commercially viable.
- The technology or business must be at a pre-revenue stage.
- The technology is innovative and will result in a competitive IP position for the business.
Funding for innovation projects is provided as a grant. Successful projects must demonstrate a clear intent to further develop or commercialize the technology.
