South Africa’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new chapter as the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) launches TIA 2.0, a strategy aimed at transforming how innovation is funded, commercialised and connected to economic development.The vision was unveiled during a packed media briefing attended by industry stakeholders and TIA officials. The event was led by TIA Board Chairperson Loyiso Tyira and Chief Executive Officer Dr Titus Mathe, with veteran journalist Cathy Mohlahlana serving as programme director.
At the heart of TIA 2.0 is a shift away from isolated innovation projects towards building interconnected innovation ecosystems capable of delivering long-term economic impact. Opening the discussion, Tyira described innovation as one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth, competitiveness and social progress. “Innovation means economic growth,” he said. Tyira explained that TIA 2.0 seeks to strengthen South Africa’s national innovation system by bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders in a coordinated effort to unlock economic opportunities with TIA becoming “the curator of a national innovation system.” For him, the success of TIA 2.0 will not be measured only by technological breakthroughs, but by how effectively innovation opportunities are extended to all South Africans.
“The real success of TIA 2.0 will not be measured only by the technologies we fund, also by our ability to broaden participation in innovation, particularly among women, young people and township entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from South Africa’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Tyira added that South Africa possesses immense talent and creativity, and that the challenge is to build systems that allow innovators from every community to participate in the economy and contribute to the country’s development. TIA Chief Executive Officer Dr Titus Mathe outlined how the agency intends to translate this vision into practical outcomes.One of the biggest challenges facing innovators, he said, is the so-called “Valley of Death” the stage where promising technologies and research outputs fail to secure the support, funding and market access required to become commercially viable. “The Valley of Death is where things die,” said Mathe.
To address this challenge, TIA 2.0 will focus on programmes that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, universities, government departments and industry partners.
“This is a typical example of when we say we’re moving towards programmatic approach. This is what we need,” he said. The agency has already commercialised 306 technologies over the past five years, helping move innovations from laboratories into the marketplace. Under TIA 2.0, Mathe said the goal is to scale these successes into sustainable businesses, quality jobs and thriving industries. A key focus area will be creating more pathways for young South Africans to participate in innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We already have technology stations at universities.
We need to think differently about how we connect with schools and communities across the country. We can leverage existing networks and facilities to bring young people into innovation much earlier,” said Mathe.He added that organisations such as the CSIR already possess valuable infrastructure that can be used to support aspiring innovators. “We are working with partners such as the CSIR, which already has facilities that can be used to support innovators. The infrastructure is there; the challenge is ensuring people know about it and can access it.”
Addressing questions about the sustainability of TIA’s programmes, Mathe emphasised the importance of remaining focused on the agency’s mandate regardless of political changes. “I am at TIA to serve the mandate of TIA and the mandate of the department that we report to,” he said. “If we can protect that principle, it does not matter who is at the top or what the political direction of the country may be. We must stick to our mandate.” The importance of inclusion was reinforced by Patrick Krappie, who spoke about digital inclusion and TIA’s presence at universities across South Africa. He highlighted the role these institutions play in supporting innovators, commercialising ideas and creating opportunities for broader participation in the digital economy.
Partnerships are also central to the success of TIA 2.0. One of TIA’s strategic collaborators is Mamor Capital, a black-owned venture capital firm focused on digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
Mamor Capital Chief Executive Officer Mamokete Ramathe said South Africa has no shortage of talent, innovation or entrepreneurial potential. What many innovators need is access to funding, strategic partnerships and support systems that can help transform ideas into successful businesses.
“By investing deeply in digital connectivity and financial inclusion, Mamor is helping to ensure that no South African is left outside the digital economy,” she said.
Supported by strategic partnerships and resources that include the R1.2 billion settlement arising from the sale of Kapa Biosystems, TIA 2.0 aims to build an innovation ecosystem that converts research into businesses, jobs and economic opportunity.The message from the briefing was clear: South Africa’s future competitiveness will depend not only on producing innovative ideas, but also on creating the systems, partnerships and opportunities needed to turn those ideas into sustainable economic value and inclusive growth.
