Call for Proposals – Living Labs Programme
Applicants must be legally registered and tax compliant, meet the stated organisational and premises criteria, and apply for one district only.
Open · closes 30 Oct 2026
Grant
Applications close 30 October 2026
Completed applications must be emailed by 17:00.
About
Eligible organisations can apply to establish and operate a Living Lab in either Lejweleputswa District Municipality in the Free State or Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape. The grant supports approved project activities over a 24-month contract period.
What it covers
Maximum TIA grant: R 4 700 000 per Living Lab, subject to funding availability, assessment outcomes, approvals and contracting requirements.
- Refurbishment and adaptation of the secured space and approved specialised innovation equipment
- Innovation Activation Programme reaching at least 150 beneficiaries
- Innovation Bridging Programme for 50 beneficiaries
- Innovation Support Programme for 30 selected beneficiaries
- Co-creation of five systemic or spatial local economic development solutions
- Targeted inclusion interventions for women and persons with disabilities
- Linkages to follow-on funding, investment, markets and partnerships, supported by a sustainability plan
Who can apply
Legally registered and tax compliant
Valid Central Supplier Database report
Up-to-date CIPC annual returns
Established presence or implementation track record in the applicable province, or an active consortium partnership with an organisation operating there
Experience in rural or township communities, innovation support, appropriate solutions, and collaboration with local stakeholders
Sound governance, operational, financial, procurement, record-keeping and internal-control systems
Adequate personnel and delivery capacity
Secured, accessible, fit-for-purpose premises in the relevant district
Living Labs currently funded through the programme are not eligible
Documents to prepare
Proof of the right to occupy the premises
Premises condition assessment
Premises photographs
Premises floor plan
Proportionate refurbishment plan
Completed prescribed application form and project-plan template
Required supporting documents
How to apply
- 1Download the Call for Proposals, Terms of Reference, Application Form and Project-Plan Template from the Open Calls section of tia.org.za.
- 2Use the prescribed templates and include all required supporting documents.
- 3Identify the relevant district and province.
- 4Email the completed application to livinglabsapplications@tia.org.za by 30 October 2026 at 17:00.
Sources
Official sourceTechnology Innovation AgencyChecked against www.tia.org.za on 15 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.