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Frequently Asked Questions 
Get answers to your questions about the Innovation Fund. We will continue to add to these questions over time so if you're looking for something and cannot find it here or can think of a question you think others would like answered, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Q. Who qualifies for assistance from the Innovation Fund?
Q. Are applicants provided with guidelines to prepare proposals?
Q. Where does the Innovation Fund source its evaluators from?
Q. How long will it take before I know whether my proposal has been successful or not?
Q. Can an inventor qualify for funding from the Innovation Fund?
Q. I want to set up a facility or centre that specialises in skills training for the people of South Africa. Would such a facility get any assistance?
Q: Who qualifies for assistance from the Innovation Fund?
A: Innovation Fund is open to all in the research, science, engineering and technology fields, whether you're an individual or are part of an NGO, science council, private company, SMME or tertiary institution.
Q: Are applicants provided with guidelines to prepare proposals?
A: Yes. Visit our Downloads Section to find all the guidelines you will need.
Q: Where does the Innovation Fund source its evaluators from?
A: Each application received by the Innovation Fund is critically evaluated to ensure that it meets the criteria for each funding instrument. This involves appointment of external evaluators. It normally takes a period of two to three months for the initial decision to be made. Evaluators are source from academia, private sector and research councils.
Q: How long will it take before I know whether my proposal has been successful or not?
A: Refer to the business process information for the relevant funding instrument timeline.
Q: Can an inventor qualify for funding from the Innovation Fund?
A: Yes, he/she can qualify, but it would be more advantageous for the applicant to be part of a consortium in which a variety of R&D and financial resources are available.
Q: I want to set up a facility or centre that specialises in skills training for the people of South Africa. Would such a facility get any assistance?
A: The establishment of a centre or facility, as such, does not usually fall within the remit of the Innovation Fund.
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