The GCIP-SA is part of a global initiative aimed at promoting clean technology innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in growing their SMMEs and start-ups into viable, investment-ready businesses. In South Africa, the programme was incorporated into the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) on 1 January 2018, after four years as a donor-funded project. Founding partners were the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO – Project Developer and International Implementer), the Global Environment Facility (GEF – Funder) and TIA (National Implementer and Country Host). The main knowledge partner of the global programme is the USA-based Cleantech Open.
“The programme also creates a platform for linking South African entrepreneurs with investors, business and commercial partners, potentially resulting in the commercialisation of new products and services and, ultimately, job creation” – Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, 2016 Gala Dinner.
