Business

Living Labs Programme – Lejweleputswa and Garden Route District Municipalities

Applicants must be legally registered and tax compliant, have a valid Central Supplier Database report and current CIPC annual returns, and demonstrate relevant provincial presence or an active local consortium partnership, delivery experience, sound systems and suitable premises.

Closed · last closed 30 Oct 2026 Grant
Check the current application cycle Use the official portal for dates and requirements.

About

The programme funds eligible organisations 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. Each applicant must apply for one district only. The 24-month programme supports innovation activities, beneficiary support, approved equipment and premises adaptation.

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 secured premises
  • Approved specialised innovation equipment
  • Innovation Activation Programme for 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
  • Co-creation of five systemic or spatial local economic development solutions
  • Targeted inclusion interventions and linkages to follow-on funding, investment, markets and partnerships

Who can apply

Apply for one district only.
Be legally registered and tax compliant.
Have a valid Central Supplier Database report and up-to-date CIPC annual returns.
Show an established presence or implementation track record in the applicable province, or apply through an active consortium with an organisation operating there.
Demonstrate experience in rural or township communities, innovation support, appropriate solutions and collaboration with relevant local partners.
Have sound governance, operational, financial, procurement, record-keeping and internal-control systems, adequate personnel and delivery capacity.
Have secured, accessible, fit-for-purpose premises in the relevant district.
Living Labs currently funded through the programme are not eligible.

Documents to prepare

Valid Central Supplier Database report
Up-to-date CIPC annual returns
Proof of the right to occupy the premises
Premises condition assessment
Premises photographs
Premises floor plan
Proportionate refurbishment plan
Prescribed application and project-plan templates
Required supporting documents

How to apply

  1. 1Download the Call for Proposals, Terms of Reference, Application Form and Project-Plan Template from the Open Calls section of tia.org.za.
  2. 2Complete the prescribed templates and include all required supporting documents.
  3. 3Clearly identify the relevant district and province.
  4. 4Email the completed application to livinglabsapplications@tia.org.za by 30 October 2026 at 17:00.

Sources

Official sourceTechnology Innovation AgencyVisit the official website for the latest information.

Checked against www.tia.org.za on 17 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.