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Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Support Programme

In collaboration with Regional Innovation Networking Platform (RINP) CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), UVU Bio, invites innovators, entrepreneurs, community innovators, traditional knowledge holders, and small enterprises working on products or services related to indigenous knowledge (IK) to apply for the Indigenous Knowledge Systems – Regional Innovation Support Programme (IKS RISP).

Application Closed

About The Programme

The Platform supports individuals and enterprises who are developing, or have ideas for, IKS-based products (or services) and want to progress from “informal” or early-stage concepts to regulated, market-ready products. The initiative bridges Indigenous Knowledge with science, technology, regulation, and markets, enabling ethical value creation and inclusive participation in South Africa’s bioeconomy.

We welcome applications from individuals or groups who are: 

  • Working Indigenous Knowledge holders and community innovators 
  • Informal or formal entrepreneurs and SMMEs 
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs with product ideas based on IKS 
  • Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply 

Applicants may be at idea stage, early product development stage, or already selling informally and seeking to formalise and scale

Support will be delivered through a phased programme, including training, mentorship, hackathons, and access to UVU Bio facilities and networks 

Programme duration and mode of delivery 

The programme runs over 12 months and includes: 

  • Training and capacity-building activities 
  • One-on-one Mentorship and innovation support 
  • Market readiness and commercialisation guidance 

Participants must be willing and available to take part in programme activities over the duration of the programme.  

Components of the programme such as bootcamps and mentorship will be delivered in a hybrid (online) and the hackathons and hands on workshops will be conducted in person in The Western Cape and Eastern Cape 

Start Your Learning

  • Regional Innovation Network access
  • Product refinement and technical support
  • Training and capacity building
  • Regulatory and compliance guidance
  • Ethical value chain and benefit-sharing support
  • Market readiness and commercialisation support

    • Application Closed

    Testimonials

    Hear from our alumni and partners about their experiences

    A great start to a biotechnology career as it allows one to get hands-on experience essential to one's career.
    Abongile Majongolo, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme
    I highly recommend the programme to anyone who interested in persuing a career in bioprocessing and biotechnology
    Penelope Chuene, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme
    It’s an enriching experience. The content is comprehensive, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the interactive approach fosters effective learning.
    Khadija Chapola, Biotechnology Accelerator Programme

    Our Partners & Funders

    RISP-front
    CSIR
    Logo Science, Technology_ and Innovation

    Application Closed

    Frequently Asked Questions

    UVU Bio’s Business Incubation Programme is designed to support biotech entrepreneurs and startups in taking their innovative ideas to market. It offers tailored mentorship, technical advice, and access to a network of business and industry experts. The programme focuses on empowering startups to refine their products and business models to become investor-ready or market-ready.

    • Working Indigenous Knowledge holders and community innovators.
    • Informal or formal entrepreneurs and SMMEs.
    • Aspiring entrepreneurs with product ideas based on IKS.
    • Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
    • Applicants may be at idea stage, early product development stage, or already selling informally and seeking to formalise and scale.

    No. UVU Bio does not take any equity or intellectual property (IP) from startups participating in the programme. Your ideas and IP remain fully yours.

    Support will be delivered through a phased programme, including training, mentorship, hackathons, and access to UVU Bio facilities and networks.

    Applicants must be based in the Western Cape or Eastern Cape or willing to travel to these regions for events.

    The programme runs over 12 months. Participants must be willing and available to take part in programme activities over the duration of the programme. Components of the programm will be delivered in a hybrid (online) and the hackathons and hands on workshops will be conducted in person in The Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

    No, there are no costs associated with participating in the Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Support Programme.

    Applications for the Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Support programme will close 3 April 2026.