Innovation Support

1. Staff Programmes

Innovation Support Programme (ISP)

Innovation Support Programme (ISP) is designed to propel innovative projects towards commercialisation, with a strong emphasis on addressing pressing societal challenges.  Central to the ISP is alignment with the university’s Catalytic Niche Areas, which serve as strategic pillars for transformation and impact.  Proposals that directly contribute to one or more of these priority areas will be given precedence during the selection process.  

• Seed Fund
  
  To assist with the translation of research into fundable projects, DITTC administers the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Seed Fund on behalf of the university. The TIA Seed Fund supports the maturation and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) emanating from the university.

2. Student Programmes

• Innovation Challenge (IC)
  
  Unisa, through the Innovation Challenge, aims to stimulate the development of high-quality innovative student projects, which seek to provide innovative solutions to the challenges that society faces. The programme is open to all registered Unisa students. Projects can, but need not, originate from students’ studies. Individual or group proposals are welcome.

• Internationational Student Exchange Programme
  
  This programme fosters strategic collaborative relations between Unisa and other international institutions with the emphasis on BRICS and other developing countries. The exchange creates a platform for the advancement of collaborative work between Unisa students and those of other international institutions. The exchange also promotes innovation and enables participation of Unisa students in international innovation and business plan competitions. The aim is also to advance academic and cultural exchange.

• Innovation Collaboration Ecosystem Partner Challenge

• • Tshwane Youth Innovation Challenge (TYIC) 

The Tshwane Youth Innovation Challenge (TYIC) aims to identify the most effective and resource-efficient innovative solution for providing alternative electrification of informal settlements in Tshwane.The challenge seeks scalable, innovative ideas for providing sustainable off-grid electricity systems to meet the energy needs of newly developing households in areas with limited or underdeveloped electricity distribution infrastructure.

• • Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge 

Are you an Eastern Cape innovator with a solution for one of the Eastern Cape Province’s pressing challenges in the areas of Agriculture (Agro-processing and Aquaculture), Automotive, ICT and Electronics, Renewable Energy and Manufacturing?

This is an opportunity for your solution to receive support from an idea towards commercialisation!

3. Innovation Pioneers Programme

This programme has been created to contribute meaningfully to the alleviation of unemployment in South Africa and moreover, within Unisa's network of graduates.

Upon developing a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem, we wish to encourage our entrepreneurs to employ graduates from Unisa.

Call for Applications

For more information, see the Innovation Support @Unisa book or send an email to innovation@unisa.ac.za.