Existing and potential innovators are invited to submit funding applications for the development of technologies to address the needs of the tourism sector, with strong emphasis on digital and green tech.
This is a call made by the Department of Tourism and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) through its joint initiative, the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation and Incubation Programme.
The TIA is the entity of the Department of Science and Innovation whose objective is to support the state in stimulating and intensifying technological innovation to improve economic growth and the quality of life of all South Africans by developing and exploiting technological innovations.
According to a statement, the aim of the incubation programme is to support a pipeline of young tourism-tech entrepreneurs who can develop disruptive/progressive technologies for the industry, as well as to facilitate the introduction of new concepts that will help boost, sustain and create more jobs in the tourism industry.
The TIA says applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35, and women, youth and people with disabilities and those from previously disadvantaged communities are encouraged to apply.
In addition, the proposed innovation must have significant cost-effectiveness; be impactful in travel, tourism, hospitality and related businesses and trades; and must have high potential for commercialisation, scalability and job creation.
The TIA and the tourism department say selected innovators will receive grant funding for the proposed innovation, including IP support; product and technical development expertise, design, infrastructure, hardware/software materials and manufacturing; business development support; networking and market access activities; training, mentorship and incubation support; and industry compliance and certification.
Applications must be submitted online by 8 January 2021 before 5pm.
Click here to apply, and further enquiries can be directed via e-mail to: tourism.innovation@tia.org.za.
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