Government’s National Research Foundation (NRF), Switzerland’s Tropical and Public Health Institute, and the University of Basel have launched an innovation challenge aimed at addressing problems related to human settlements in South Africa.
Over 7.5 million people live in informal settlements with little to no access to basic services such as water and sanitation.
The NRF announced the launch of an Open Innovation Challenge to address the need for better health outcomes in low-income settlements by identifying and offering support to sustainable innovations.
Successful submissions will have the chance to participate in the Swiss-South African Business Development Program (SSABDP) and will receive incubation support and seed funding from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). They will gain access to the match and invest platform and exhibition space at the 10th SA Innovation Summit.
On top of this they will also get technology validation in an ETH-Zurich test house and access to various networking and showcasing events.
Thus far 62 joint research projects have been supported since 2008 under mandate of the NRF serving as the Leading House for South Africa. Over 1 000 entrepreneurs have benefited already.
Applicable innovations will be showcased at the 2018 World Environmental and Water resources congress. The closing date for submissions is the 31st July 2017.
If you are interested to learn more about the innovation challenge or want to submit a proposal, please visit SIIH.org.za, email submissions@SIIH.org.za or phone 012 012 501.
