Menu

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Research, Development and Innovation Incentives Guide

Lady shaking hands with a man

Overview

The Research, Development and Innovation Incentives Guide for Western Cape Businesses is a comprehensive document compiled by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. This booklet is a valuable resource for organizations seeking financial or strategic support for R&D and innovation initiatives, highlighting both government and private sector opportunities across diverse sectors. It supports the broader goals of the Growth for Jobs Strategy, where technology and innovation are key enablers of economic competitiveness and job creation. 

Why Use This Guide?

  • Save time by accessing verified, up-to-date incentive programmes in one place.
  • Explore opportunities for R&D, commercialisation, and innovation funding.
  • Identify incentives that match your business stage – from startup to scaling to international growth.
  • Connect with government, private sector, and development agencies offering support.

Who Should Use It?

  • Entrepreneurs and startups developing new technologies or services.
  • Established businesses looking to expand operations or enter new markets.
  • Researchers and innovators seeking funding to take ideas from lab to market.
  • Investors and corporates exploring partnerships with small businesses.
Incentives guide cover page

How to access the Guide

Research and development (R&D), along with innovation, are key levers for productivity growth, and this booklet is intended to help SMMEs better access and leverage national incentive programmes in these areas.

The booklet includes the following information for each incentive:

  • Name of the incentive
  • Administering agency and overview
  • Incentive value
  • Target market and sectors
  • Qualifying criteria
  • Application process
  • Contact information
Access the guide here

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this booklet, the Western Cape Government provides no guarantee of the completeness, reliability, accuracy, or timeliness thereof, nor of the possible results obtained from the use thereof and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions herein. The information is provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Use of the information provided herein is at the users’ own risk, and the Western Cape Government will not be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information contained herein, nor for any consequential, special or similar damages arising from its use. The content does not constitute professional financial or business advice and does not replace services from qualified professionals. 
Users should not rely solely on the information provided and should exercise their own judgment. The user is further encouraged to verify the information on any illustrated incentive before investing time and effort in applying to a third-party Funder or Agency. Any links to external websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement.
This document will be updated from time to time. The user is therefore encouraged to check that they have accessed the most recent version of the document.
Go back