1.0 BACKGROUND
The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is a parastatal organisation created by the Science and Technology Act number 16 of 2003. Its Mission is to promote, support, co-ordinate and regulate the development and application of research, science, technology and innovation so as to create wealth in order to improve the quality of life. The Act establishes a Science and Technology Fund under Section 24 whose main object is to advance science and technology in Malawi. To achieve this objective, the Commission has set aside funds from the Fund to support innovation projects in the electronics sector through Technology and Innovation Grants (TIGs). The aim of the TIGs is to promote the commercialisation of locally produced innovative technologies and support development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for wealth creation and sustainable development.
The Commission therefore is calling upon interested and eligible individuals or institutions to respond.
2.0 RATIONALE
Developing and maintaining infrastructure to support production of electronic devices in Malawi remains a persistent challenge. For instance, Malawi’s imports on electrical and electronic equipment in 2022 totaled to US$240 million (United Nations, 2023). This just shows how much money Malawi is allocating to electronic imports. Malawi 2063 acknowledges that industrialization is central to inclusive wealth creation and self-reliance through creation of secondary industries that will enhance import substitution and export growth.
It is against this background that NCST would like to support innovation projects in electronics. TIGs will support institutions and individuals that have technological innovations (where innovation means something new or better) that have a demonstrable viable business model.
3.0 SCOPE
The grant will support activities in the following categories:
3.1 Product Manufacturing:
This includes the following activities:
3.1.1Acquisition of equipment for technology production and/or distribution
3.1.2 Product design improvements
3.2 Product Distribution and Marketing
This includes the following activities:
3.2.1 Organising product demonstration event in target market
3.2.2 Replication of industry-ready prototypes to meet market need
Note: TIGs will not support research activities to establish proof of concept.
4.0 THEMATIC FOCUS
The Commission will support projects in the fields of electronics with demonstrable innovativeness, contribution to import-substitution, value addition, scalability, and social benefit.
5.0 FUNDING LEVEL AND DURATION
The maximum grant value for each category is Ten Million Malawi Kwacha (MK10,000,000.00). Each project will be implemented for a period not exceeding twelve months (12 months) from 1st November 2023 to 30th October, 2024.
Permissible budget items include the following: purchase of equipment and raw material if they are directly linked to the project, project related travel expenses or third party charges; direct costs incurred through the use of infrastructure linked to the project; costs of organising marketing events in connection with the funded project.
Ineligible costs include Salaries, rentals, maintenance of fleet, purchasing of vehicles and office furniture are not eligible costs.
All budgets should be presented on the budget template in the guidelines found on www.ncst.mw/tigs_guidelines/ Co-funding of projects is encouraged.
6.0 ELIGIBILITY
Innovators, technologists, and institutions wishing to apply for the technology and innovation grants must be:
6.1 Malawian nationals or other technologists and innovators working with Malawian nationals
6.2 Malawian-owned institutions operating and registered in Malawi
6.3 Projects that demonstrate use of over 60% locally available resources
6.4 Led by a project leader as a main applicant, based in Malawi and of Malawi origin. The Project leader will bear the overall responsibility for the project, including its technical and administrative co-ordination as well as the timely delivery of technical and financial reports.
6.5 Supported by a letter from the host institutions of the project leader where the applicant is an institution. Proposals without institutional approval through support letters will not be considered.
6.6 Innovative projects in the electronics thematic area.
6.7 Projects that demonstrate the application of scientific principles
6.8 Projects that demonstrate a viable business model for taking the product to the market and solving real life challenges.
Application guidelines are available on www.ncst.mw/tigs_guidelines/
NB: It is acceptable for an individual, group of individuals or institution to apply for technology and innovation grants for more than one project.
7.0 HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit the following:
7.1 A filled project application form in the guidelines document which can be accessed through the following link: www.ncst.mw/tigs_guidelines/
7.2 All the required documents as requested in the application form.
7.3 The full proposals should be submitted electronically to directorgeneral@ncst.mw with a copy to nrdc@ncst.mw with the subject heading: “Full Proposal in Technology and Innovations Grants (2023)” clearly specified.
8.0 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
The deadline for submission of proposals is 10th October, 2023 at 12 mid-night, Central African time.
