Upcoming Call for Proposals: DSTI-NRF Research Accelerator Fund for Space Innovation

The National Research Foundation (NRF), in collaboration with Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), is pleased to announce the upcoming call for proposals for the DSTI-NRF’s Research Accelerator Fund for Space Innovation (RASI). This initiative aims to drive research, innovation, and skills development in the Space Science and Technology (SST) sector, focusing on key SST-related areas.

The NRF will invite proposals from academics, Historically Disadvantages Institutions (HDIs), and Universities of Technology (UoTs) partnering with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, to address research needs and accelerate innovation in the SST sector. Awards will be supported over a 1-2 year basis, depending on the applicant’s research needs.

Objectives:

The overall programme aims are to:

1. Enable researchers and technicians (artisans enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges) to develop solutions using space related innovation.
2. Build technical and research capacity in space sciences at Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) and Universities of Technology institutions through partnership with established institutions and industry partners.
3. Strengthen collaboration between TVET colleges, universities, and industry stakeholders.

Types of support:

The programme will specifically focus on application-based science in the innovation landscape and not theoretical. This includes research support, training and skills development, and networking activities among TVET colleges, universities, and industry stakeholders.

Key dates:

• Call for Proposals opens: 19 February 2025
• Information session: early March 2025
• Application deadline: 21 April 2025