The Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII), administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is designed to promote technology development in South Africa’s industry by providing financial assistance for the development of innovative products and processes. It targets the development phase — starting at the conclusion of basic research and ending when a pre-production prototype has been produced.
SPII provides non-repayable grants that cover a percentage of qualifying development costs, with the percentage determined by the applicant’s B-BBEE ownership level. There are two distinct schemes:
Product Process Development (PPD) Scheme: Available to small, very small, and micro enterprises as well as individuals. The maximum grant is R2 million. Grant rates range from 50% (0–25% BEE ownership) to 75% (25.1–50% BEE ownership or majority women/disability owned) to 85% (above 50% BEE ownership) of qualifying costs.
Matching Scheme: Available to all enterprises and individuals. The maximum grant is R5 million. Grant rates range from 50% (0–25% BEE ownership) to 65% (25.1–50% BEE ownership or majority women/disability owned) to 75% (above 50% BEE ownership) of qualifying costs.
Key eligibility criteria include that the development must represent a significant advance in technology, must take place within South Africa, and the intellectual property must reside in a South African registered company. Government-funded institutions may participate as subcontractors but do not directly qualify. Applications must be submitted before the project is more than 50% complete (70% for PPD scheme).
SPII support is available to:
All applicants must be South African registered enterprises or individuals. Government-funded institutions (e.g. CSIR) do not directly qualify but may participate as subcontractors.
PPD Scheme (small, very small, micro enterprises and individuals):
Matching Scheme (all enterprises and individuals):
Both schemes provide non-repayable grants.
Qualifying costs under SPII include:
Eligibility criteria for SPII support:
Non-qualifying projects and costs:
The SPII application process:
Before applying, prepare the following:
You are likely a fit if:
You are likely not a fit if:
Applicants must provide a detailed project description demonstrating that the development represents a significant advance in technology, a breakdown of qualifying costs, evidence that development and production will take place in South Africa, and proof that the intellectual property resides in a South African registered company. No costs incurred prior to submitting a completed application will qualify.
Government-funded institutions (e.g. CSIR) do not directly qualify but may participate as subcontractors. The THRIP programme (also administered by the dtic) is specifically designed for collaborative R&D between industry and academia. There is no formal collaboration requirement for SPII but subcontracting costs are eligible.
Enquiries:
Applications:
the dtic Customer Contact Centre:
Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions. Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.
Core documents (required for almost all funds)
Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)
Additional requirements
Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.
Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845
Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385
Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262
Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140
Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466
Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424
Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611
Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751
Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663
Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806
Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697
Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480
Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369
Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837
Use the following tools to help you apply:
