Technology Innovation Agency Celebrates Cleantech Innovation In SA

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is driving the growth of clean technology entrepreneurship in South Africa through its support of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP-SA).

Embracing new economic opportunities in green technologies can drive industrial development, innovation, and economic diversification, and this would lead to a sustainable and economically resilient future.

The programme is implemented in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

Since 2014, more than 200 innovators have been supported in various cleantech innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. These technologies are vital to addressing climate change, creating economic opportunities, and building a sustainable future. 

TIA plays a pivotal role in supporting and recognising innovators in the cleantech industry. Through the GCIP-SA accelerator, innovators receive the necessary technical support, funding opportunities, business mentorship, and market access to develop and scale successfully. 

By investing in start-ups and SMEs, TIA is strengthening South Africa’s position as a leader in energy efficiency, waste beneficiation, renewable energy, water efficiency, and green transport. 

“TIA is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive economy through innovation,” says Vusi Skosana, Head Technology Stations & Manager of GCIP at TIA. 

“Through initiatives like GCIP-SA, we are supporting the acceleration of Innovative solutions and enabling entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and networks needed to commercialise solutions that will shape South Africa’s green future. 

“We are expanding the model of the GCIP by engaging Implementing partners for greater reach and greater Impact. We are looking forward to onboarding more partners into the programme to ensure that the expertise in our ecosystem is optimally leveraged to reach more provinces in South Africa,” he said. 

The 2025 GCIP-SA finalists represent a new wave of South African entrepreneurs tackling environmental issues through cutting-edge solutions:

• Green Building Products (Tebogo Mashifana) – Repurposing plastic and solid waste into sustainable, cement-free building materials.
• EcoNova Solutions (Sanele Mabizela) – Converting organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers, reducing landfill dependency.
• BCycle SA (Nkamogeleng Bogopa) – Creating bicycles from waste plastic, supporting eco-friendly urban mobility.
• AB Farms (Mogale Maleka) – Innovating hydroponic farming systems that function without continuous water or electricity supply.
• ROC Water Technologies (Johannes Maree) – Pioneering freeze crystallization to treat saline water and recover clean water.
• Soldevco (Heindré Rademan) – Advancing Ultra-Oxygen technology to improve water treatment efficiency.
• AdamVirgo (Adam Ngele) – Developing Smart Skip Bins to enhance waste collection and recycling.
• Gradueted Man of Steel (Lunga Calvin Mahlangu) – Producing affordable electric micro-mobility solutions for urban and industrial transport.

After months of mentorship, technical training, and business development, the GCIP-SA 2025 winner was announced at the gala dinner that took place on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at the Maslow in Sandton, Johannesburg. 

This year’s award goes to Mogale Maleka for their groundbreaking work at AB Farms, which is innovating hydroponic farming systems that function without continuous water or electricity supply. As part of the winning prizes the winner and two runners will be joining winners from partner countries at the GCIP Cleantech Days in Istanbul, Turkiye, in September 2025, where the global GCIP winner will be selected. 

“Science, technology, and innovation are powerful tools in addressing environmental challenges. Through GCIP-SA, TIA is supporting South African innovators who are developing solutions to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance water security. Their work is essential in building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This year’s winner exemplifies the spirit of innovation that GCIP-SA fosters.” said Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, who delivered a keynote address at the event. 

Through initiatives like GCIP-SA, TIA continues to shape South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. By investing in cleantech entrepreneurs, TIA is fostering job creation, industrial diversification, and global competitiveness in the green economy sector.

Innovation fund. AI-generated by Freepik

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has expressed its strong support for government’s vision to bolster innovation as articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The department said the Innovation Fund will be a key priority for the government in the 2025/26 financial year, with implementation overseen by the DSTI Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande.

In his address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the Innovation Fund, which aims to bolster the growth of innovative startups and technology-driven Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“To build an innovative economy, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will establish an Innovation Fund to provide venture capital to tech start-ups that emerge from our higher education institutions,” the President said in his speech.

What is the DSTI’s Innovation Fund? 

In 2021, the DSTI launched the Innovation Fund as part of its comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation.

According to the department, the primary goal of the Innovation Fund is to stimulate the development and ongoing expansion of the high-tech SME sector.

It also aims to reduce risks associated with early-stage SME creation, fostering sustainable pipelines of viable, investable high-tech enterprises that can attract later-stage investments from the private sector.

In contrast to conventional financing institutions like private equity firms and commercial banks, the Innovation Fund is less stringent and offers more flexible yet thoroughly enforced financial support.