Product and process development incubation support to Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs)

1. Invitation

The BIDC is a CSIR (www.csir.co.za) initiative to provide technical product and process development support to Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the biomanufacturing sector, with the aim of creating and expanding biomanufacturing activity and associated job creation. The current EoI call is targeted at SMMEs entering the biomanufacturing sector to grow and expand biomanufacturing capacity to meet market demands. Biomanufacturing entails the use of bioprocess technology (e.g. fermentation) to produce enzymes, industrial biologics, biopharmaceuticals, proteins, probiotics, bio-control agents and diagnostic reagents. It also includes the areas of agroprocessing relating to extraction of biologically-active ingredients from natural sources and formulation thereof in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, food and feed products and cosmetics.This initiative is aligned with the National Bio-economy Strategy of the Department of Science and Technology which aims to drive economic growth and socio-economic development in South Africa. (Note: purchasing of equipment for enterprises or direct monetary support of enterprises is not provided for in this call.)

2. The CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC)

The Centre’s unique infrastructure is housed at the BIDC facility on the CSIR campus, and offers bioprocess development infrastructure from laboratory to pilot scale, including upstream reactors from 1 L to 1000 L, as well as the necessary downstream processing, formulation and analytical support for process development. Below are some of the key offerings of the CSIR BIDC:

• Biomanufacturing infrastructure and skilled human resource support (scientists, technologists, process engineers)

• Technical incubation support

• Bio-based product development, formulation, and labelling/ packaging

• Mentoring and training in manufacturing skills.

3. Submission requirements

To apply, please complete the attached EoI form and e-mail the PDF versions of completed forms, CV’s, BBEEE certificate /affidavit and proof of CIPC registration to bidc@csir.co.za

The ability to co-fund this application and commitment to transformation will be an advantage.

Exclusionary Criteria:

• EoIs will NOT be considered if they relate to new medicines, treatments or cures for diseases, or do not involve manufacturing, or do not create jobs and revenue within the short term (within 6-12 months of technology transfer to applicant).

• Applicants’ enterprise must be registered with the CIPC and proof of registration must be provided with the application or be excluded from the process

• Applications that are not accompanied by CV’s will be excluded

• Applications sent to any e-mail address other than bidc@csir.co.za will be excluded

• Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18 March 2020, no late submissions will be considered

4. Reporting requirements

Successful applicants will be expected to report on any jobs created as well as sales of products developed during the incubation process. Evidence of both jobs and sales will be required, the format of which will be established during contracting. For more information please contact: Lara Kotzé-Jacobs

Download the expression of interest form here.