Accessing the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme

The THRIP Grant promotes collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to address shortages of high-level technical skills.

Additionally, the programme strengthens South Africa’s industrial competitiveness by supporting the development and commercialisation of advanced technologies.

Moreover, Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme operates as a partnership initiative funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Meanwhile, National Research Foundation manages the programme and oversees the implementation of research collaboration projects.

Furthermore, the programme uses a cost-sharing funding model that encourages active participation from industry partners and research institutions.

Consequently, THRIP supports collaborative research projects in science, engineering, and technology that address the technological needs of participating firms.

In addition, the programme encourages the development and mobility of researchers and students among universities, research institutions, and industry organisations.

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP Grant)

The mission of the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme is to improve the competitiveness of South African industry. Furthermore, the programme supports research and technology development activities while strengthening the supply of appropriately skilled professionals.

In addition, the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme was established in 1992 to stimulate innovation and industry collaboration. Consequently, the programme aims to accelerate economic growth, create sustainable wealth, and improve the quality of life for all South Africans.

Moreover, THRIP matches its funding with financial contributions from participating industry partners. Therefore, the programme applies a funding ratio that depends on the size of the partner organisation or association.

Additionally, the funding ratio also considers the B-BBEE contribution status of the industry partner. Furthermore, partnerships with previously disadvantaged universities may increase the funding support available through the programme.

Nature of project supported

• Science, engineering and/or technology projects that will contribute significantly to the company’s competitive edge;
• Creation and transfer of knowledge into a new process or product;
• Project must have clearly defined scientific and technology outputs and human resource outputs expected for each year of support; and
• The project must demonstrate causality, implementation, and additionally that will follow from the THRIP support.

Benefits of Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme

THRIP is a cost sharing grant of up to R8 000 000 per annum for a period of three years. The cost sharing ratio can be between 50% to 90% depending on the size of the company and their BBBEE level.

THRIP funding offers R500 000 per academic researcher or students in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to work in industrial laboratories per annum for a 3-year period. THRIP covers 100% of the bursary grants where:
• PhD candidates will receive R200 000 annually;
• Masters candidates will receive R150 000 annually; and
• Honours/BTech will receive R80 000 annually

Qualifying projects for the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme

These projects include research, development, and innovation initiatives requiring collaboration with public research institutions such as universities and the CSIR.

Projects must also fund students at Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels, as well as researchers, to support project outcomes.

The industry partner acts as the applicant and must register as a legal entity in South Africa under applicable legislation.

Furthermore, the applicant must partner with at least one South African research institution, including a Higher Education Institution or SETI.

In addition, partnerships may include a National Research Facility to strengthen research capabilities and improve project implementation outcomes.

THRIP operates under the Incentive Development and Administration Division of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

In the case of first-time black-owned applicants, projects may still qualify even without specific technology outputs during the first year.

Qualifying Costs Covered

• Researchers and technical personnel remuneration;
• Running costs (including materials) and overheads (renting of laboratory space and equipment owned by the private sector and not by university or public research institutions);
• Traveling and accommodation costs;
• Equipment and machinery;
• TIPTOP (relocation of researchers); and
• Cost of legal advice for SMMEs.

At DTC we understand the complexities of the various funding agencies and the unique application criteria for each. We have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs through the application process to access funding for businesses, and we can assist you with the same.