Department of Science and Innovation - Republic of South Africa

03/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/25/2024 03:14

DSI and UNDP Join Forces to Support Innovation and Empower Tech-Entrepreneurship through the Higher Education Innovation Fund

25 March 2024 Hits: 1

DSI and UNDP Join Forces to Support Innovation and Empower Tech-Entrepreneurship through the Higher Education Innovation Fund

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande will launch the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF), on Monday, 25 March in Pretoria. The commercialisation and innovation fund is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The HEIF is a transformative initiative to empower student innovators and tech-entrepreneurs from TVET colleges and historically disadvantaged universities. More than just a fund, the HEIF represents a beacon of hope in addressing youth unemployment, inequality, and poverty by fostering the growth of the knowledge economy. It provides essential support to innovative minds, enabling them to transition from ideas to sustainable enterprises, with a particular focus on spotlighting small businesses as pivotal job creators in our nation.

The media are invited as follows:

Venue: Statistics South Africa, Pretoria

Date: 25 March 2024

Time: 10:30-12: 30

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation and the United Nations Development Programme.

For more information, contact:

Ntokozo Mahlangu on 060 533 6760 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Veronica Mohapeloa on 083 400 5750 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.