Deadline: 20-Nov-2025
This initiative forms part of the DSTI Living Labs Programme, which promotes innovation-driven local development through collaborative spaces where communities, government, academia, entrepreneurs and innovators co-create solutions that respond to local needs.
Eligible applicants must be implementing agents with a proven track record of working directly with communities and delivering Innovation Support Programmes (ISP). Applicants should be able to demonstrate practical experience in developing ICT-based or otherwise context-relevant innovations that stimulate local economic opportunities. Strong collaboration capacity is essential, as the Living Lab model relies on partnerships across sectors and community actors. Applicants must also already have access to facilities where innovation activities can be hosted, and only organizations with active operations in the Free State may apply. Organizations currently funded through the Living Labs Pilot Programme are not eligible.
The funding offers up to R3.9 million for a project duration of up to 24 months. This investment is intended to support the establishment of a creative and collaborative lab space and the implementation of an ISP supporting at least 35 local economic development (LED) innovations. The ISP must ensure that 80% of beneficiaries are youth, 50% are women, and 5% are people with disabilities, with stipends included to enable participation. Funding will directly support 30 innovations, while the implementing agent is expected to secure co-funding for an additional five. The lab will also apply the quadruple-helix methodology to co-create five systemic or spatial local economic development solutions, which similarly requires co-funding participation.
Funding cannot be used for activities outside of innovation support, including general operational training unrelated to the project, research projects, student bursaries, or extended academic work. Infrastructure development, such as buildings or ICT network installation, is also excluded, with only specialized equipment essential to innovation activities considered.
This call provides a significant opportunity to establish a Living Lab that fosters inclusive innovation, stimulates local enterprise development, and drives youth and community empowerment in the Free State. By blending technology, creativity, and collaboration, the new Living Lab will help shape locally driven solutions and build stronger, more resilient local economies.
For more information, visit Technology Innovation Agency.
