The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in South Africa and Innovate UK, the UK government’s national innovation agency, have established a R16-million fund to support collaborative research, development, and commercial partnerships in water management.
Aim of the UK-SA Water Innovation Lead Customer Programme
The R16-million fund, known as the UK-SA Water Innovation Lead Customer Programme, aims to foster partnerships between South African and UK water utilities and innovators. The goal is to address challenges related to water management, distribution, and treatment, particularly in the face of shared water security challenges.
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Challenges in South Africa and the UK
Both South Africa and the UK grapple with water security challenges, including water shortages, capacity constraints in infrastructure investment, and maintenance of existing facilities. Droughts, ageing infrastructure, and the growing needs of expanding populations are common issues that the two countries aim to address through collaborative innovation.
Opportunity for Global Collaboration
The initiative provides an opportunity for innovators in both countries to engage with global counterparts, explore new environments, and create value for their markets and communities. By combining resources, talent, expertise, and experiences, the partners aim to collaboratively solve collective water challenges.
Comments from Innovate UK and TIA
Dr Nee-Joo Teh, Head of Innovate UK Global Alliance, highlighted the opportunity to build stronger linkages between the two countries. The initiative aligns with TIA’s mandate to harness technological innovation for the betterment of South Africans, promoting economic growth, and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Funding Details and Eligibility
Of the R16-million in funding, R5-million is provided by TIA for South African organizations, while Innovate UK contributes £500,000 (approximately R11.4-million) for their UK partners. Eligible entries must propose partnerships between at least one South African and one UK-based organization.
Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa project will manage the fund, which is divided into two streams based on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). The funding is designed to support projects ranging from TRL 4 to 8.
Grant Amounts and Technical Support
South African organisations with projects at TRL 4 to 6 can receive grants up to R500,000, with UK partners eligible for up to £25,000. For projects at TRL 6 to 8, South African entities are awarded up to R1-million, with UK partners eligible for up to £100,000. Technical support and assistance in finding and connecting partners will be provided by Global Alliance Africa and TIA.
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Thematic Areas and Prioritization of Innovative Solutions
The challenges addressed by the initiative fall into two thematic areas: digitalization and effective waste management. Prioritization will be given to innovative, tested proof-of-concept solutions addressing key challenges in water resource management, leak detection, data-driven decision-making, improved water quality monitoring, enhanced water treatment, better water distribution and access, water billing and revenue management, and remote monitoring of rural water infrastructure.
Invitation for Applications
South African startups, small, medium-sized, and microenterprises, large businesses, and research and technology institutions are invited to apply for the initiative, emphasising collaboration and innovation in addressing critical water-related challenges.