The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), has officially launched the Women Technology and Innovation Programme (WTIP).
This initiative aims to address systemic challenges in funding, support, and development for women entrepreneurs in the technology and innovation sector. While South Africa has made progress in fostering women’s entrepreneurship, access to funding remains a major hurdle.
Many women-owned businesses struggle to secure the financial resources needed to launch and scale their ventures, limiting their potential to contribute to economic and community development.
Following Minister Professor Blade Nzimande’s first Transformation Summit just two weeks ago, which focused on evaluating 30 years of democratic progress.
“The TIA Women Technology and Innovation Programme is designed to offer tailored, gender-responsive interventions through the agency’s various instruments. Today is also about mobilizing our stakeholders and inviting them to partner with us on this exciting journey. Over the years, TIA has funded and supported women innovators, gaining valuable insights. This program is a more intentional and strategic initiative.” says Patrick Krappie, Executive Innovation Enabling at TIA.
The launch event also served as a platform to celebrate and empower women innovators who are driving technological advancements across various sectors.
Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar Prieschl, Acting Deputy Director-General of Technology Innovation at DSTI, highlighted the program’s alignment with national policies, particularly the White Paper on Science and Technology and the Decadal Plan.
The event featured inspiring keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, and live showcases of groundbreaking innovations by women entrepreneurs, highlighting the program’s potential to transform the sector. This event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to drive meaningful discussions on advancing women in technology.
