South Africa's TIA seeks partners for two rural innovation Living Labs

South Africa's TIA seeks partners for two rural innovation Living Labs

8 October 2026: South Africa's Technology Innovation Agency has opened a call for organisations to set up and run Living Labs in two districts: Lejweleputswa in the Free State and Garden Route in the Western Cape. It issued the call on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Proposals must be emailed to livinglabsapplications@tia.org.za by 17:00 on 30 October 2026, and late or off-template submissions will not be accepted.

Not yet independently verified. Single source: the agency's call page. The Terms of Reference and the call document, which hold the full cost rules and scoring, were not read. We will update this when it can be confirmed, and remove this note.

The agency will pay up to R4.7 million per lab, subject to funding availability, assessment and contracting, over a 24-month contract. Funding is tied to an approved plan, budget and milestones, and applicants must show how they will bring in further money and partners. Each applicant may apply for one district only.

Applicants must be legally registered and tax compliant, hold a valid Central Supplier Database report and current CIPC annual returns, and have a track record in the province, preferably in the targeted district. Organisations from outside the province can apply through a consortium with a local partner. They need experience in rural or township communities, innovation support and ICT-enabled solutions, and secured premises in the district with proof of the right to occupy. Labs already funded under the programme are not eligible.

Each partner must refurbish the space and buy approved specialised innovation equipment, then deliver three programmes: an activation programme reaching at least 150 beneficiaries, a bridging programme for 50 people with limited access to digital technology, and a support programme for 30 selected beneficiaries. That cohort must be at least 80% youth, 50% women and 5% persons with disabilities. Partners must also co-create five local economic development solutions using the Quadruple Helix method.

Major construction, unrelated operating costs, bursaries and research projects are excluded. Proposals will be scored on experience, local understanding, reach, feasibility, sustainability, delivery capability, governance and premises readiness.

Sources

• Technology Innovation Agency: Call for Proposals, Living Labs Programme, 8 October 2026