Expression of interest: development of prototypes at elidz science & technology park

Closing: 18 September 2026 at 12:00.

Briefing (non-compulsory): 25 August 2026, 10:00–11:00, via Microsoft Teams. Meeting ID: 362 592 016 379 022, Passcode: fb2mc9nE.

Questions deadline: 1 September 2026 at 12:00.

EOI document available for download from 14 August 2026 at www.elidz.co.za.

Non-compulsory briefing session: 25 August 2026, 10:00–11:00, via Microsoft Teams. Meeting ID: 362 592 016 379 022, Passcode: fb2mc9nE.

Queries: submit to Anathi Mzantsi (or Anathi Mgwaza) at [email protected] before 12:00 on 1 September 2026.

After closing: Supply Chain Officer at 087 372 8258 or [email protected].

Submission is online only via https://tenderportal.elidz.co.za. Only PDF files accepted, max 2GB per file. Hard copies not considered. All returnable documents listed in Section 4 must be completed, signed, and uploaded before the closing time. Essential returnable documents for scoring (Annexure H, K, L, M, N) must be included; failure provides zero points for that criterion, not disqualification. Incomplete submissions or those not complying with conditions may be disqualified. Authority of signatory documentation (board resolution, partnership resolution, or sole owner proof) is mandatory. ELIDZ may correct discrepancies with consent but total price stays unchanged.

Minimum returnable documents: Annexure A (Valid Tax Clearance certificate), B (Company Registration documents), C (Declaration of Innovation stage), D (Latest Audited Financial Statements or DTI Affidavit with turnover and BBBEE level), E (ELIDZ Procurement Handbook), F (Proof of address past 3 months), G (Industry experience proof for at least 2 members), H (Designs/Drawings/Sketches), I (JV agreement if applicable), J (Valid B-BBEE proof), K (Completed Expression of Interest Application Form with milestones and costing), L (Market Research document), M (CVs of team members with verifiable references), N (Declaration of non-funding for similar prototype development). Essential returnable documents for scoring: Annexure H, K, L, M, N.

Minimum eligibility: registered business entity, MSME, based in Eastern Cape (verifiable proof), technology at pre-revenue stage, potential to create IP, prototype aligned with ELIDZ focus sectors. Exclusions: entities outside Eastern Cape, previously funded by ELIDZ, funded elsewhere for same activities, missing Procurement Handbook. Functionality evaluation: minimum threshold 70%. Scoring matrix (100 points): Potential & Stage of Innovation (max 40), Value of Innovation (max 40), Experience Level of Team (max 20). Proposals scoring below 70% eliminated. Shortlisted respondents may be invited to present (evaluated on Team, Market, Innovation Concept, IP, Budget – each rated 1–5, total 25 points). Evaluation stages: Stage 1–6, EOI ends at Stage 4. Final weighted score 100% technical/functionality. ELIDZ may conduct post-tender negotiations.

ELIDZ STP seeks innovators, small enterprises, and entrepreneurs to develop prototypes aligned with strategic sectors: Automotive, Sustainable Energy, Aquaculture, Agri-industries, Digital economy, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics. Fundable activities: initial proof of concept, IP development, prototype development and evaluation against customer requirements, primary market research and launch, field testing and commercialisation. The EOI leads to presentations and costing proposals from eligible respondents. No specific quantities or service levels stated.

Respondents must provide a project plan outlining key activities, milestones, deliverables, and estimated costs in the Expression of Interest Application Form (Section 4). The plan should demonstrate how the prototype will be developed and commercialised. ELIDZ may require a presentation of the proposed solution.

Team experience scored up to 20 points based on years of relevant experience: above 5 years (20), 3-5 years (15), 1-3 years (10), below 1 year (5). Must provide cover letter and CVs for team members with verifiable references. Documents as proof of relevant industry experience for at least 2 team members are required under Annexure G.

This EOI does not require pricing. Respondents bear all costs of preparation and submission. ELIDZ not liable for any expenses. ELIDZ may enter into price negotiations with preferred innovators at a later stage. No bonds, guarantees, or insurance mentioned.

CSD registration required if shortlisted.

Valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate (personal or corporate) or PIN.

B-BBEE: verified original or certified certificate. EMEs (turnover < R10m) may submit accountant letter/SARS confirmation and sworn affidavit in lieu of certificate. Non-accredited certificates not accepted.

Company registration documents.

Proof of address (most recent 3 months).

Completed ELIDZ Procurement Handbook (Annexure E).

Declaration of non-funding for similar prototype development (Annexure N).

Joint venture agreement or intention letter if applicable.

B-BBEE levels: EMEs (turnover < R10m) are automatically level 4, black-owned EMEs (>51% black ownership) are level 2, 100% black-owned EMEs are level 1. ELIDZ accepts an accounting firm letter or SARS confirmation of turnover and a sworn affidavit for turnover and black ownership. B-BBEE certificates from non-accredited agencies are not valid. ELIDZ may verify B-BBEE credentials via an independent agency.

This EOI is not a contract. ELIDZ is not obligated to accept any proposal. ELIDZ reserves the right to withdraw, change dates, increase/decrease scope, validate information, request audited statements, and not accept changes to rates after closing. Confidentiality: all information must be treated as confidential. POPIA consent required. Successful respondents must maintain validity of tax clearance and B-BBEE certificate for contract duration; failure may lead to termination.

Funding may be awarded to a respondent that did not score the highest number of points if reasonable and justifiable grounds exist. Any misrepresentation of facts may lead to disqualification or termination of contract and recovery of payments. ELIDZ may verify B-BBEE credentials independently.

Mandatory requirements: respondents must be registered business entities, MSMEs (per National Small Enterprise Act), based in Eastern Cape (with verifiable proof), technology at pre-revenue stage, potential to create IP, prototype aligned with focus sectors. Exclusions: entities outside Eastern Cape, previously funded by ELIDZ, or funded elsewhere for same activities. Submissions must be online via https://tenderportal.elidz.co.za in PDF format (max 2GB) by 12:00 on 18 September 2026. Required documents include company registration, SARS PIN/tax clearance, B-BBEE certificate, ELIDZ Procurement Handbook, and proof of address. Authority of signatory documentation (board resolution, partnership resolution, or sole owner proof) must be submitted.

Evaluation follows a phased process: Stage 1–6 including substantive responsiveness, administrative compliance, functionality (minimum 70% threshold), presentations (weighted 25 points), and post-proposal negotiation. Functionality evaluation matrix (100 points): Potential and Stage of Innovation (max 40), Value of Innovation (max 40), Experience Level of Team (max 20). Presentation evaluation criteria (25 points): Team, Market, Innovation Concept, Intellectual Property, Budget – each rated 1–5. Final weighted score is 100% technical/functionality. ELIDZ may conduct post-tender negotiations.