Department of Science and Innovation

What Department of Science and Innovation does

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI / DSTI) is a South African national government ministry headquartered in Pretoria at 627 Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, that leads the country's national system of innovation. It was renamed in 2024 from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to incorporate 'Technology and Innovation', and operates under Minister Blade Nzimande and Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina with a Director-General office and 251–500 employees. The ministry executes its mandate through five core programmes — Corporate Services and Institutional Planning, Technology Innovation, International Cooperation and Resources, Research Development and Support, and Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships — and directly oversees nine wholly-owned national entities: the National Research Foundation (NRF), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Astronomy Management Authority (AMA).

The department's portfolio targets strategic focus areas spanning space science, energy (notably hydrogen), biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, photonics, indigenous knowledge systems, and a Centres of Excellence network across biodiversity, TB, materials science, invasion biology and catalysis. Notable infrastructure and initiatives include the Square Kilometre Array astronomy project (via SANSA), the 110K Human Genome Program (launched November 2025 with MGI Tech and SAMRC on Africa's first DNBSEQ-T7 sequencing platform), a Green Hydrogen Production Initiative targeting 500,000 tonnes annually and 10 GW electrolysis by 2030, the CyberSecureTech Hackathon for cyber-security skills, an R&D Tax Incentive Programme, the Innovation Bridge Portal, and an inaugural National Science Month for July 2026 implemented through SAASTA.

DSI is funded entirely through annual national budget allocations rather than commercial revenue; there is no disclosed pricing model and no reported revenue. Its customers are, in effect, South African citizens, research institutions and universities (including Vaal University of Technology, University of Venda, North West University), the South African Medical Research Council, and industrial partners (e.g., Adapt IT, Cisco, MGI Tech, African Rainbow Minerals). Distribution is accomplished through a domestic network of implementing entities (NRF, CSIR, SANSA, TIA, HSRC, SAASTA), partnerships with mining and technology firms, multi-channel public engagement (web, social media, newsletters, Innovation Magazine, the annual Science Forum South Africa) and physical infrastructure such as the Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility at North West University.

Name

Department of Science and Innovation

Legal name

Department of Science, Technology and Innovations

Website

https://dst.gov.za

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI/DSTI) is the South African national ministry that leads the country's system of innovation, funding and coordinating research, technology development, and socio-economic innovation through nine wholly-owned entities (including NRF, CSIR, SANSA and TIA), serving citizens, universities, and industry via grants, science-promotion programmes, and strategic initiatives in genomics, hydrogen energy, space science and cyber-security.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Science, Technology and Innovation Policy

NAICS

Space Research and Technology (92711), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Incentives, Grants & Program Administration (Auctions, Tenders, IRA/ITC/PTC Advisory) (EUAMAAAJ), Global Health Research, Clinical Trials & Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) (HLAJAOAM), Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance (BPADAEAL)

Keywords

• Science policy
• Research funding
• Technology innovation
• Scientific literacy
• Innovation partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Pretoria

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Budget Allocation: Annual government funding allocated through the national budget for science, technology and innovation programmes. The department provides leadership, enabling environment and resources for STI development.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSI/DSTI) is a South African national government ministry that leads the country's national system of innovation. It funds, coordinates and delivers science, technology and innovation programmes through five pillars — Corporate Services, Technology Innovation, International Cooperation, Research Development and Support, and Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships — implemented via entities including NRF, CSIR, SANSA, TIA, HSRC and SAASTA. Its operational offerings span genomic research (110K Human Genome Program), green hydrogen, astronomy (SKA, AMA), the R&D Tax Incentive Programme, cyber-security skills development (CyberSecureTech) and public science engagement (National Science Month, Innovation Bridge Portal).

Product overview

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI/DSTI) operates as a government ministry with multiple interconnected programmes forming its core service offering. The Technology Innovation Programme drives R&D in emerging technologies including biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and photonics. Research Development and Support provides scientific infrastructure while International Cooperation manages global partnerships. Key initiatives include the 110K Human Genome Program for national genomic research, Green Hydrogen Production Initiative for energy transition, CyberSecureTech for cybersecurity skills development, and the Square Kilometre Array for astronomy research. The department also supports Centres of Excellence, the R&D Tax Incentive Programme, and coordinates the annual National Science Month celebration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 110K Human Genome Program National genomic initiative, in partnership with MGI Tech and SAMRC, to sequence 110,000 South African genomes and establish South Africa's first comprehensive national genomic reference database; for medical research institutions and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
• National Science Month Nationwide programme throughout July celebrating science, boosting scientific literacy and encouraging youth participation in science careers; for South African learners, students and the general public.
• Green Hydrogen Production Initiative National initiative developing green hydrogen for South Africa's energy transition, targeting 500,000 tonnes annually by 2030 and 10 GW of electrolysis capacity in the Northern Cape; for clean-energy producers, mining companies and industrial off-takers.
• Square Kilometre Array (SKA South Africa) International radio-astronomy telescope project in which South Africa participates through the South African National Space Agency (SANSA); provides radio-astronomy research infrastructure for the global astronomy community.
• CyberSecureTech Hackathon Cyber-security hackathon initiative, backed by a 2020 MoU between CSIR and the University of Venda and delivered with Adapt IT, Cisco, TakeNote IT and Geekulcha, to cultivate cyber-security talent for South Africa's digital economy; for university students and early-career cyber professionals.
• R&D Tax Incentive Programme Government programme providing tax incentives for research and development activities; for South African companies conducting qualifying R&D.
• Innovation Bridge Portal Online portal connecting South African innovators with resources and opportunities, including innovation campaigns in Health Innovation, Circular Economy and Digital Innovation; for innovators, SMMEs and researchers.
• Centres of Excellence Network of distributed research centres covering Birds as Keys to Biodiversity Conservation, Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Tree Health Biotechnology, Biomedical TB Research, Strong Materials, Invasion Biology, and Catalysis; for South African research institutions, universities and scientific users.
• Astronomy Management Authority (AMA) Authority established under the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act to protect astronomy and related scientific endeavour, managing protected areas, permitting and astronomy geographic advantage protections across South Africa.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,775 scientific publications produced in 2023, ranking 29th globally and second in Africa
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MGI TechcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025Partnership to launch Africa's first DNBSEQ-T7 sequencing platform at SAMRC in Cape Town. The platform enables large-scale genome sequencing for the 110K Human Genome Program, aiming to establish South Africa's first comprehensive national genomic reference database.
• South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025SAMRC hosts Africa's first DNBSEQ-T7 sequencing platform and is a key partner in the 110K Human Genome Program, working with DSTI and MGI Tech to sequence 110,000 South African genomes.
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSIR partnered with University of Venda through a 2020 memorandum of understanding to support the CyberSecureTech Hackathon initiative aimed at building cyber security capabilities and addressing South Africa's digital skills gap.
• Adapt ITminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrivate sector partner in the CyberSecureTech Hackathon initiative, contributing to cyber security talent development for South Africa's digital economy.
• CiscominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTechnology partner in CyberSecureTech Hackathon initiative, contributing expertise and resources to cyber security skills development.
• TakeNote ITminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in CyberSecureTech Hackathon delivering cyber security capabilities development for South Africa's digital economy.
• GeekulchaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in CyberSecureTech Hackathon initiative for developing cyber security talent in South Africa.
• North West UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth West University in Potchefstroom hosts the Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility for hydrogen technology, alongside a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station, as part of DSI's hydrogen technology initiative.
• African Rainbow MineralsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining company noting that platinum and iridium play critical roles in hydrogen technology, which could stimulate demand in the mining sector as part of South Africa's hydrogen economy development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Science Foundation (NSF): US federal agency that funds basic research and education across non-medical fields of science and engineering. Highly comparable to DSI as a national R&D funding body with Centres of Excellence equivalents and similar mandate to drive national innovation.
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): UK government body that directs research and innovation funding, including the Science and Technology Facilities Council. Comparable to DSI as a national umbrella organisation coordinating public research investment and innovation policy.
• CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique): France's largest public scientific research organisation covering all fields of science. Comparable to DSI in coordinating national research entities and Centres of Excellence across diverse disciplines.
• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency, performing applied research across energy, health, space, and manufacturing. Directly comparable to DSI's CSIR subsidiary and similar in mandate to drive national innovation through R&D.
• National Research Council of Canada: Canada's primary national R&D organisation operating research facilities across multiple disciplines. Comparable to DSI in providing industrial and scientific research infrastructure with a federal mandate.
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): US space agency conducting civil space research and exploration. Comparable to DSI's space science mandate executed through SANSA, including radio astronomy and earth observation programmes.
• Fraunhofer Society: Germany's leading applied research organisation with 76 institutes conducting contract research for industry and government. Comparable to DSI's CSIR/TIA model of applied R&D with industry commercialisation pathways.

Direct peers

• Department of Science and Technology, China (MOST): China's Ministry of Science and Technology with near-identical name and mandate to South Africa's DSI. Comparable in coordinating national innovation policy, R&D funding allocation, and international S&T cooperation.
• Department of Science and Technology, India: India's central ministry responsible for science, technology, and innovation policy with nearly identical name and mandate to South Africa's DSI. Operates similar programmes covering R&D funding, international cooperation, and technology innovation.

Others

• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA): South African entity under DSI that supports technology innovation and commercialisation. Listed as a related ecosystem entity because it is a wholly-owned DSI subsidiary that operationalises DSI's innovation mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/dsigovza
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DSIGOVZA
• Facebookweb.facebook.com/dsigovza
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dept-of-science-and-innovation
• Instagraminstagram.com/dsigovza
• TikToktiktok.com/@dsigovza

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about Department of Science and Innovation