The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), previously implemented by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and now administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is a cost-sharing grant designed to foster collaborative partnerships between government, industry, academia, and scientific researchers. The programme supports applied research and development (R&D) in science, engineering, and technology (SET) to produce highly skilled graduates and technology solutions that improve industry and enterprise competitiveness.
THRIP provides an advance or pre-payment grant of up to 90% of approved project costs for research expenditure and materials. The total grant offering is from R5 million to a maximum of R15 million per approved project, paid through milestones. The programme also covers 100% of qualifying bursary costs for students involved in the project, and includes support for graduate placements, intellectual property costs, and pre-commercialisation activities.
The programme’s priorities include applied research and innovation projects aligned with the dtic’s priority sectors and master plans; transformation with respect to nationality and race of students; involvement of previously disadvantaged higher education institutions; strengthening of black-owned enterprises; and improving prospects for industrialisation and commercialisation post-THRIP support.
Applicants must be South African registered enterprises and must comply with all THRIP guidelines and applicable legislative requirements. Complete applications with required supporting documentation must be submitted to thripapplications@thedtic.gov.za. The call for THRIP applications is open until further notice.
THRIP is designed for South African enterprises — both large and small — that are engaging in applied research and development in collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or Science, Engineering and Technology Institutions (SETIs). Eligible participants include:
Government-funded institutions may participate as subcontractors or partners but the lead applicant must be a South African registered enterprise.
Research Expenditure and Materials Costs:
Competitiveness Costs (cost-sharing basis):
Eligible costs under THRIP include:
Eligibility requirements:
Programme priorities:
The THRIP 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 including objectives, applied research activities, milestones and expected outcomes, a project budget breakdown, and details of the collaboration with HEI/SETI partners. Information on students and researchers involved (nationality, race, institution) must also be provided.
THRIP is specifically designed for collaborative partnerships between industry and academia or scientific research institutions. The grant leverages collaborative relationships between government, industry, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or Science, Engineering and Technology Institutions (SETIs). This collaboration is a core programme requirement and is assessed at application stage.
Applications: thripapplications@thedtic.gov.za
Extensions: thripextensions@thedtic.gov.za
Enquiries: thripqueries@thedtic.gov.za
THRIP Applications Contact:
THRIP Claims Contact:
General claims: thripclaims@thedtic.gov.za
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:
