Expressions of Interest for Hemp and Cannabis Beneficiation Through Biotechnology

ELIDZ STP invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from enterprises to participate in the beneficiation of hemp and cannabis in the Eastern Cape through biotechnology. The programme aims to support enterprises in developing and optimizing processes for converting hemp and cannabis biomass into biofuels (e.g., bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas) and bio-based materials (e.g., bio-composites, bioplastics, textiles, bio-foams, bio-lubricants, bioconstruction, bio-packaging materials, biochar). Successful respondents will be shortlisted for a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) in the 2026/27 period.
Respondents must be registered business entities, qualify as a Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) in accordance with the National Small Enterprise Act, and be fully operational and based in the Eastern Cape Province with verifiable proof of residence or business location. Applicants must have a product or technology that has achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher, demonstrate potential for competitive new Intellectual Property (IP), and have a product scalable to pilot and industrial levels for commercialisation purposes.