South African Startups Invited to Join BRICS Innovation Drive for Global Collaboration and Growth
South African Startups Invited to Join BRICS Innovation Drive for Global Collaboration and Growth. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has issued an open call to South African startups, tech-driven SMMEs, universities, and science councils to partner with innovators across BRICS nations in developing and commercialising high-impact technologies. The initiative aims to help local innovators transform proven ideas into globally competitive solutions while contributing to the shared economic and social development goals of BRICS member countries.
The opportunity, open until 5 November 2025, forms part of TIA’s broader mission to bridge the gap between research and the market, ensuring that promising innovations receive the funding, networks, and strategic support needed to reach commercial success.
TIA’s call encourages entrepreneurs and innovators to focus on developing solutions that respond to real-world societal challenges, from sustainable energy and healthcare technologies to advanced manufacturing and digital transformation. Through the BRICS Innovation Partnership, applicants will gain exposure to international collaborators and investors, creating pathways to expand their reach beyond South African borders.
Positioning South African Innovation on the Global Stage
For South African entrepreneurs, the programme represents an opportunity to participate in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively account for a significant share of global economic output and research investment, offering local startups access to vast markets and advanced technology networks.
By facilitating joint projects between innovators from these countries, TIA aims to drive technology transfer, stimulate cross-border business ventures, and foster inclusive growth that supports small businesses and emerging enterprises.
Commercialisation and Funding Support for Growth
Applicants whose technologies have been validated and are ready for scaling can apply for commercialisation support funding. This funding can be used to advance prototypes, enhance market readiness, and accelerate entry into new sectors or territories.
For many early-stage startups, access to such funding is a crucial step in bridging the “valley of death” between innovation and market adoption, a challenge that has long limited the growth potential of South African innovation-driven enterprises.
The initiative also aligns with the country’s National System of Innovation (NSI) and its emphasis on leveraging public-private partnerships to strengthen the local innovation value chain. It underscores TIA’s role as a key enabler for innovators looking to transform their research outputs into viable, market-ready solutions.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs for Global Impact
Beyond funding, selected participants will benefit from collaboration opportunities that can enhance business capability, attract new partnerships, and open doors to foreign investment. TIA’s call highlights a growing recognition that South Africa’s entrepreneurs are not just local players but key contributors to solving global challenges.
With the BRICS network providing a platform for shared expertise and resource exchange, local innovators stand to gain from access to new technologies, mentorship, and export potential that can scale their ventures to international markets.
Driving a New Era of African Innovation Leadership
As South Africa continues to strengthen its position in global innovation networks, initiatives like this BRICS collaboration call serve as vital catalysts for growth. They empower local entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional markets, innovate for impact, and compete on the global stage.
For the country’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, this is not just a funding opportunity, it’s an invitation to help define how emerging economies lead in technology and sustainability in the years ahead.
Applications close on 5 November 2025, and submissions should be sent to tia-brics@tia.org.za. Further details are available at www.tia.org.za
