Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships
Driving inclusive growth through targeted innovation interventions and strategic partnerships across government, industry, research institutions, and communities.
Socio-Economic Innovation Success Stories
See how DSTI-supported innovation partnerships have created jobs, improved service delivery, and driven inclusive economic growth across South Africa.
Innovation for Inclusive Growth
Programme 5 drives socio-economic impact through targeted innovation partnerships. From technology localisation to green economy initiatives, we connect government, industry, and communities to create sustainable jobs and improve lives.
200+
Projects
15K
Jobs Created
50+
SMEs Supported
9
Provinces
Inclusive
Development
Solar-Powered Water Systems for Rural Communities
"Innovation support helped us deploy 50 solar water pumping systems across rural Eastern Cape, providing clean water to 25,000 people."
GreenTech Water Solutions
Innovation for Inclusive Development
Local Component Manufacturing for Rail
"With DSTI support, our SME now supplies locally manufactured rail components, creating 150 jobs and reducing import dependency."
SA Rail Components
Technology Localisation Programme
Waste-to-Energy Innovation Hub
"The green economy programme funded our waste-to-energy plant, diverting 10,000 tonnes from landfills and powering 500 homes."
EcoEnergy Solutions
Green Economy Support
Township Tech Startup Scales Nationally
"The SME innovation fund enabled us to scale from a township garage to a national fintech serving 50,000 users."
PayKasi Fintech
SME Innovation Support
Low-Cost Housing Innovation Pilot
"Our alternative building technology was piloted with DSTI support, now delivering quality homes 30% faster and cheaper."
BuildSmart SA
Human Settlements Innovation