Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) - Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP)

PLEASE NOTE: The current call for applications to the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) can be found here.

THRIP supports collaborative partnerships on a cost-sharing basis, for research and development in science, engineering and technology, to produce highly skilled human resources and technology solutions, for improved industry competitiveness. 

At least one research institution and one industrial partner must be involved in the project, and the ownership and exploitation of the intellectual property must be agreed upon before the commencement of the project. The project must have a technology and a human resources development aspect – in other words, people must learn and develop during this process.

In order to qualify, the projects submitted for funding must take place at a university, or a science, engineering and technology Institution. Funding is in the form of a cost-sharing grant for research and innovation. 

Although the maximum loan amount is R24m, the maximum amount disbursed per annum is R8m.

Eligibility criteria that impact the allocation of funds

• The location is key. It is mandatory that the project must take place at a university or science, engineering and technology Institution.
  
• The level of innovation will determine whether the project is funded or not. It is important that the project should lead to the creation and transfer of new knowledge into a process or product (prototype) or the transfer of existing knowledge into a new process or product that significantly benefits the industry partner.
  
• The degree to which it is made clear that such a project could not have happened without the THRIP funding.
  
• South African students (4th year or higher) that are involved and trained during the project qualify for a total of R200 000 per student.
  
• Non-South African students that are involved and trained during the project qualify for a total of R85 000 per student.
  
• The characteristics of the industry partner impact the amount of funding in the following way:
  

• SMMEs or a black female industry partner is eligible for a 50% grant. 
• Large companies or large companies that are partnered with SMMEs are eligible for a 33% grant.
• BEE SMMEs are eligible for a 66% grant. 

Application process

Go to the DTI website. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download the application form and get a full list of eligibility factors, fund criteria and the types of projects and industry sectors that THRIP supports. 

 It is important to read through the guidelines before submitting an application.

Applications must be submitted via email.