Who We Are

The Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) is a regional support platform dedicated to driving technology and innovation ecosystems within the province. As a multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral initiative, the NCIF brings together businesses, civil society, academia, and government to foster innovation and entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic and social development.

The NCIF is hosted by Sol Plaatje University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (SPU CfERI) in Upington, Northern Cape. The second iteration of the platform was launched in 2023, strengthening its role in the province’s innovation landscape.

The forum is financially supported by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) through the Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP), co-funded by the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDaT). The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) serves as the implementing agency, supporting the NCIF.

The NCIF aligns with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), following the broader national vision of “increasing the spatial footprint of innovation.” Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, the NCIF is working to expand innovation access across the Northern Cape.