Technology Innovation Agency

Technology Innovation Agency Mandate

To promote the development and exploitation, in the public interest, of discoveries, inventions, innovations and improvements.

Our Vision
To be a leading technology innovation agency that stimulates and supports technological innovation to improve the quality of life for all South Africans The objective of TIA is to support the State in stimulating and intensifying technological innovation to improve economic growth and the quality of life of all South Africans by developing and exploiting technological innovations. Strat

egic Roles

TIA has multiple roles within the National System of Innovation (NSI) that are used to improve existing weaknesses and to exploit the possibility for new ideas. These possibilities are explored through a number of mechanisms which include open innovation initiatives. TIA’s main roles include the following:

Connector: Catalyse partnerships to develop an enabled environment to support sector-specific innovations for global competitiveness. Active Funder: Provide risk funding and support for innovators to progress ideas towards market entry and commercialisation. Facilitator: Attract and facilitate late-stage funding for the commercialisation of market ready technologies. Service Provider: Reduce barriers of access to expensive high-end skills and equipment for innovators through Technology Stations and Platforms (TSPs). Technological Innovation Thought Leader: Inform and provide advice on policy issues, frameworks and mechanisms relating to the advancement of technology innovation.

TIA and the National Research Foundation (NRF), entities of the Department if Science Technology and Innovation, convene...
27/08/2026

TIA and the National Research Foundation (NRF), entities of the Department if Science Technology and Innovation, convened a high-level executive meeting focused on strengthening strategic alignment between the two institutions’ mandates.

Led by TIA CEO Dr Titus Mathe and NRF CEO Dr Angus Paterson, the engagement explored opportunities to collaborate, co-create and partner in advancing solutions that respond to the needs of the society. Discussions emphasised the importance of leveraging existing resources, expertise and networks, while also exploring new sources of support and innovation to drive greater impact.

Through this partnership-driven approach, TIA and NRF reaffirm their commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation for inclusive socio-economic development.

On Friday, two DSTI entities, TIA and CSIR came together at CSIR's Baobab Conference Room in Pretoria for a Collaborati...
24/08/2026

On Friday, two DSTI entities, TIA and CSIR came together at CSIR's Baobab Conference Room in Pretoria for a Collaboration Meeting aimed at strengthening strategic alignment between the two organisations.

The engagement, led by the CEOs of the entities, TIA’s Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe and Dr Thulani Dlamini of CSIR reflected on shared priorities so as to chart a clear path for turning research and innovation into commercial and societal impact.

Discussions covered bilateral updates from both entities, an overview of CSIR's C3 initiative, and a candid reflection on progress made so far in the partnership. The teams also explored ways to connect CSIR's technology pipelines to TIA's funding, commercialisation and investor support, and considered shared infrastructure, market access and joint delivery mechanisms.

The engagement closed on a high note with: a focused set of joint opportunities, and next steps to move promising technologies from research and development into market and societal impact.

.0

The University of Botswana (UB) this morning joined stakeholders, learners, educators, researchers and science enthusias...
19/08/2026

The University of Botswana (UB) this morning joined stakeholders, learners, educators, researchers and science enthusiasts for the official opening of the 2026 National Science Week at the Shakawe Bus Rank.

The event celebrates the vital role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in driving Botswana’s socio-economic development and building a prosperous, knowledge-based economy.

Held under the theme, “Harnessing Science, Technology, Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge to Drive Economic Diversification for a Prosperous Botswana,” this year’s National Science Week highlights the importance of scientific knowledge, technological advancement and indigenous expertise in addressing contemporary development challenges.

UB’s participation reaffirms the institution’s commitment to advancing science, technology, innovation and research as key enablers of a knowledge economy.

South Africa is proudly represented by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in partnership with CSIR, NRF-SAASTA, SANSA, NRF-SAEON, NRF-SAAO and Mintek.

On Tuesday, 18 August, the Technology Innovation Agency took the stage at the 28th Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF) Con...
18/08/2026

On Tuesday, 18 August, the Technology Innovation Agency took the stage at the 28th Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF) Conference taking place in Durban from 16 -20 August 2026, for a panel discussion on Unlocking TIA Funding Opportunities for Technology Development and Commercialisation in the Indigenous Plants Use Space.

Delegates heard directly from TIA's investment portfolio managers on how the Seed Fund, Technology Development Fund and Innovation Fund support innovators at every stage -from proof of concept and prototyping to market validation and commercialisation readiness.
The interaction was fruitful, demystifying various misconceptions about TIA Funding and support.

Leading the conversation:
Moderator: Vuyisile Hobololo, Head: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Business Unit, TIA
Panellists:
-Dr Xolisa Melamane, Portfolio Manager: Agricultural Biotech, TIA
-Dr Tozamile Rubuluza, Portfolio Manager: Energy, TIA
-Mondeli Mngoma, Portfolio Manager: IKS, TIA
-Thuthukile Mthethwa, Portfolio Manager: Energy, TIA

Stay tuned as we unpack how South Africa's innovation funding landscape is opening doors for scientists, academics, SMMEs and innovators working with indigenous plants and natural products.

It's official! TIA and FALF have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding at The MoU was signed by TIA CEO Dr Titus Ma...
07/08/2026

It's official! TIA and FALF have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding at

The MoU was signed by TIA CEO Dr Titus Mathe and FALF CEO Dr Xolelwa Zulu-Magwenyane - a partnership that will open new pathways for women researchers and academics to move their innovations from paper to practice.

This is more than a signature. It's a shared commitment to strengthening the pipeline of women-led research and innovation coming out of South Africa's public universities, directly aligned with TIA's mandate to support technology transfer, commercialisation and inclusive innovation.

Fittingly signed during Women's Month, this partnership speaks to exactly what FALF Day 2026 set out to do: Empowering Women. Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Leadership.

Happening now at At the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, the Innovation Ecosystem Panel"Beyond the Paper: Building, P...
06/08/2026

Happening now at

At the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, the Innovation Ecosystem Panel
"Beyond the Paper: Building, Protecting, and Funding Your Innovation" is underway, and TIA is well represented on stage.

Tshembani Khupane, Senior Programme Manager: SEED Fund at TIA, is unpacking what it really takes to move research from concept to commercialisation. With 13+ years of experience in technology transfer, fund management and programme delivery, she oversees a portfolio of 35 Implementing Partners and over 150 innovative projects which are all backed by TIA's risk-adjusted funding model designed to help innovators de-risk their journey from paper to product.

Joining her on the panel: Tom Hockaday (Technology Transfer Innovation Ltd), Thato Tabane (University Technology Fund) and Shaawn Phooko (KISCH IP) - facilitated by Naazlene Patel of the Wits Innovation Centre.

This is exactly the kind of collaboration TIA champions: researchers, funders and IP experts in one room, building the pipeline that turns South African innovation into sustainable enterprise.

Stay tuned as our CEO is about to take the stage soon.

Behind every commercialised innovation is a researcher who believed her work belonged in the world.This Women’s Month, T...
06/08/2026

Behind every commercialised innovation is a researcher who believed her work belonged in the world.

This Women’s Month, TIA is proud to deepen that belief into partnership. Today our CEO Dr Titus Mathe will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) at FALF Day and the Technology Transfer Seminar, Wits Dome - formalising our commitment to women-led research, innovation and technology transfer.

Because when we invest in women academics, we invest in South Africa’s innovation future.

TIA CEO Dr Titus Mathe, joined Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof Blade Nzimande on a district developm...
05/08/2026

TIA CEO Dr Titus Mathe, joined Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof Blade Nzimande on a district development model oversight visit at the Harry Gwala DM District, reinforcing governments coordinated approach to driving innovation-led development where it’s needed most.

This visit reflects TIA’s quadruple helix approach to innovation, bringing government, academia, industry and communities together with a particular focus on strengthening support for local SMMEs and community-based innovators on the ground.

Innovation came alive at the SmartXchange KwaMashu Living Lab as CEO Mr Jonathan Naidoo welcomed the Technology Innovati...
31/07/2026

Innovation came alive at the SmartXchange KwaMashu Living Lab as CEO Mr Jonathan Naidoo welcomed the Technology Innovation Agency, led by CEO Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe, along with the Honourable Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, for a walkabout with some of South Africa’s brightest young innovators.

Under Mr Naidoo’s lead, the delegation engaged directly with founders and start ups who pitched their solutions on the spot, offering a first hand look at how funding and support from TIA and the SmartXchange ecosystem are helping turn bold ideas into real, working technology.

From township based apps to agri tech and digital training platforms, the visit was a reminder that innovation is thriving right where it is needed most.

From pitches to progress, this is innovation in motion.

TIA CEO Dr Mathe visited the TIA Bioprocessing Platform in Umbongintwini.This technology Platform holds a special place ...
31/07/2026

TIA CEO Dr Mathe visited the TIA Bioprocessing Platform in Umbongintwini.
This technology Platform holds a special place in TIA’s story.

Offering technology development in conducive technical and business environment to innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers.

The Bioprocessing Platform also plays a key role in nurturing skills development in the bioeconomy sectors. Here, early ideas are nurtured, tested and grown into innovations that go on to contribute to the bioeconomy South Africa.

The visit was more than just ceremonial. It gave the CEO an opportunity to engage directly with clients hosted at the platform. In addition, he engaged with staff to understand how the facility can be enhanced and explore ways to drive innovation even further as this platform continues to support TIA’s broader mandate.

As TIA continues to build South Africa’s innovation pipeline, moments like these remind us where it all begins.

-Processing

Address

83 Lois Avenue
Pretoria
0181

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27214722701

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Technology Innovation Agency posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Technology Innovation Agency:

Shortcuts

Share

Category