The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), through its Science and Technology Park (STP) and in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) aimed at supporting Eastern Cape enterprises involved in hemp and cannabis beneficiation through biotechnology.
The programme targets businesses that have already developed product prototypes and require support to advance towards pilot-scale, demonstration-scale and commercial production.
The initiative builds on the work already being undertaken through the ELIDZ STP, which currently supports more than 71 enterprises across a range of innovation, incubation and enterprise development programmes. Through these programmes, the STP continues to support entrepreneurs and innovators in developing products, strengthening their competitiveness and pursuing opportunities for growth.
While the STP supports enterprises across multiple sectors, this particular call focuses specifically on hemp and cannabis beneficiation, with an emphasis on product development and value addition. The programme seeks to identify enterprises that have moved beyond the concept stage and are ready to further develop products with commercial potential.
For Eastern Cape enterprises, the opportunity extends beyond cultivation. A key focus of the programme is the development of products and applications derived from hemp and cannabis, creating greater value through local processing and manufacturing. Potential applications include biofuels, biomaterials, bio-composites, bioplastics and textiles, all of which have the potential to contribute to the growth of value-added industries within the province.
The programme also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the province’s industrial base by supporting innovation-led manufacturing and encouraging greater participation in emerging sectors. By promoting beneficiation and local product development, the initiative aims to create opportunities for enterprise growth while contributing to a more diversified and competitive provincial economy.
As the only Science and Technology Park (STP) in South Africa linked directly to an Industrial Development Zone, the ELIDZ STP plays an important role in supporting innovation, collaboration and industrial competitiveness. The facility provides a platform through which enterprises can access specialised support aimed at advancing products and technologies with commercial potential.
“Through the Science and Technology Park, ELIDZ is already supporting more than 71 enterprises across a range of innovation programmes. This Expression of Interest builds on that work by focusing specifically on hemp and cannabis beneficiation, an area with significant potential for value addition, product development and industrial growth. The initiative is aimed at supporting enterprises that have already developed product prototypes and are ready to advance towards pilot-scale, demonstration-scale and commercial production. Through this intervention, ELIDZ seeks to support enterprise growth, strengthen local manufacturing capability and contribute to the diversification and inclusivity of the Eastern Cape economy,” said ELIDZ Chief Executive Officer, Thembela Zweni.
The EOI is expected to attract applications from innovators, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the province who are exploring opportunities within the hemp and cannabis value chain. The closing date is 18 September at 12h00.
By focusing on beneficiation and product development, the programme seeks to support the growth of locally developed products and industries, while creating new opportunities for economic participation, industrial development and investment in the Eastern Cape.
Contact ELIDZ
Interested parties are also welcome to contact the ELIDZ for more information.
