The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), has launched the Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals, inviting submissions for funding applications focused on Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (EO) solutions.
Purpose and Strategic Alignment
The rapid advancement in space technologies, coupled with urbanisation and climate change, has increased the need for Earth Observation to support evidence-driven sustainable decision-making at a global scale. EO-driven technological innovations produce critical satellite data and precision monitoring solutions essential for transforming industries and addressing societal needs.
The call aims to strengthen local capabilities in space science and technology by supporting the development and commercialisation of sovereign space innovations that will create products and services benefiting South Africa. Solutions supported are expected to advance the SIH mandate whilst aligning with national imperatives set out in the DSTI-led Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan 2022-2032.
Thematic Focus Areas
Proposals are invited for Remote Sensing and Earth Observation solutions providing evidence-driven support across:
- National service delivery
- Industrial modernisation in mining, agriculture, and energy sustainability
- Infrastructure and spatial planning
- Water and food security
- Health sustainability
- Disaster management
Eligibility and Requirements
Applications are invited from any recognised South African legal entity, including startup enterprises, small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs), science councils, universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
The Space Innovation Initiative prioritises growing the participation of black-owned and women-owned enterprises contributing to transformation of the South African space economy.
Compulsory requirements include:
- Proposed technology must be directly aligned to the identified industries
- Feasible sustainable business case demonstrating socio-economic impact
- Proven prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher
- For proposals with foreign-owned intellectual property, proof of licensing agreements assigning IP to the applicant
- Primary technology development activities must be operated in South Africa in accordance with the TIA Act and Intellectual Property Rights Act
- Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD)
- Compulsory attendance and registration at provincial briefing sessions
Assessment Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with strategic thematic priorities outlined in the DSTI Decadal Plan, Space Infrastructure Hub investment, and SANSA mandate
- Capability to execute the project and commercialise the innovation
- Understanding of value proposition, market opportunity, and socio-economic impact
- Novelty of proposed innovation or localisation of core/key technologies
- Co-funding contributions and industry partnerships (added advantage)
- Priority given to transformation support for women, youth, and black-owned enterprises, persons with disabilities, and persons from underserved provinces
Application Details
Submission Deadline: Friday, 31 August 2026 at 17:00 (late applications will not be considered)
Submission Method: Applications must be submitted through the TIA funding portal at https://funding.tia.org.za/gateway
Compulsory Briefing Sessions: Dates will be communicated directly to applicants by province. Attendance is mandatory.
RSVP for Briefing Sessions: Complete the RSVP form at https://www.tia.org.za/space-call-rsvp/
Contact Information
For further enquiries regarding the Call for Proposals, please contact:
Email: spaceinnovations@tia.org.za
This call represents a significant opportunity for South African innovators, entrepreneurs, and institutions to develop and commercialise space-based solutions addressing critical national and continental development challenges.
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