Living Labs Programme
Applicants must be legally registered and tax compliant, meet the stated governance, experience and delivery requirements, and apply for one eligible district.
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 Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State, or Garden Route District Municipality, Western Cape. The grant supports approved premises adaptations, specialised innovation equipment and programmes for local beneficiaries, with a 24-month contract period.
What it covers
Maximum TIA grant: R 4 700 000 per Living Lab
- Refurbishment and adaptation of secured space, with approved specialised innovation equipment
- Innovation Activation Programme reaching at least 150 beneficiaries
- Innovation Bridging Programme for 50 beneficiaries with limited access to digital technologies and innovation support
- Innovation Support Programme for 30 selected beneficiaries, with at least 80% youth, 50% women and 5% persons with disabilities
- Five systemic or spatial local economic development solutions using the Quadruple Helix methodology
- 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
Valid Central Supplier Database report and up-to-date CIPC annual returns.
Established presence or implementation track record in the applicable province; organisations outside it may apply through an active consortium partnership with an organisation operating there.
Experience in rural or township communities, innovation support, ICT-enabled or context-appropriate solutions, and collaboration with local government, communities, enterprises, industry and knowledge institutions.
Sound governance, operational, financial, procurement, record-keeping and internal-control systems, with 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.
Each applicant must apply for one district only.
Documents to prepare
Call for Proposals
Terms of Reference
Application Form
Project-Plan Template
Internal Control System Checklist
Proof of the right to occupy the premises
Premises condition assessment
Premises photographs
Premises floor plan
Proportionate refurbishment plan
Required supporting documents
How to apply
- 1Download the Call for Proposals, Terms of Reference, Application Form and Project-Plan Template from TIA's Open Calls section.
- 2Use the prescribed templates and include all required supporting documents.
- 3Clearly identify 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 29 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.