Welcome to Science, Technology & Innovation
(STI) Business Forum

We cannot change the past. We can shape the Future

Membership Chapters Become a Member

Founding Statement

The STI Business Forum has been founded to position Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a central driver of South Africa's socio-economic transformation. In pursuit of this endeavour, the STI Business Forum seeks to:

– Promote inclusive economic growth through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI); and
– Drive industrial innovation through STI as a catalyst for urban development and re-industrialisation.

The STI Business Forum Mandate

The STI Business Forum is committed to:

Championing the establishment of the Ekurhuleni University of Applied Science and Innovation with a strong industrial and entrepreneurial orientation.

Promoting a national urban innovation ecosystem anchored around South Africa's eight (8) Metropolitan Areas and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Advancing STI-driven Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that accelerate growth and competitiveness.

Promote and advocate that education systems, while safeguarding students’ interests, advance academic innovation, providing them with first-rate skills.

Promote the equity equivalent investment programme.

Promote public venture capital funds.

Key Programmes

The STI Business Forum delivers four key programmes.

Academic studies

Academic studies focused on integrated workplace learning and practice.

Urban/Regional STI Parks

Urban/Regional STI Parks & Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Universities of Technology

Universities of Technology (UoTs) and TVET's Innovation Initiatives.

Business Research and Development

Business Research and Development (R&D) investments.

Six Strategic Aims

The Forum drives South Africa's STI ecosystem through six interconnected programmes — from university creation to venture capital.

Ekurhuleni University

Applied Science & Innovation university with dual education model

Urban Innovation Ecosystem

8 metropolitan hubs driving 70% of SA's economic activity

Public-Private Partnerships

Government-industry collaboration for growth and competitiveness

Dual Education System

Structured alternation between classroom learning and paid workplace training

Equity Equivalent Investment

Practical pathway for inclusive corporate transformation

Public Venture Capital

De-risking early-stage STI enterprise funding

Four Membership Chapters

Each chapter serves a distinct stakeholder group with tailored benefits, networking, and working group access.

Corporate
Corporate
R50,000 /year

SA and international companies active in STI sectors.

  • Board nomination rights
  • Working Group leadership
  • Flagship event access
  • Policy advocacy
  • B2B marketplace
Start-ups
Start-ups
R10,000 /year

Science & tech startups with 5+ employees.

  • Incubator access
  • Mentorship programme
  • Venture capital pipeline
  • Working Group participation
  • Marketplace listing
Academic
Academic
R20,000 /year

Universities of Technology, TVETs, STI-focused universities.

  • Research collaboration
  • Dual education partnerships
  • Curriculum co-design
  • Student placement
Professionals
STI Professionals
R5,000 /year

Individual researchers, professors, and executives.

  • Networking events
  • Professional development
  • Working Group participation
  • Annual conference

Eight Metropolitan Innovation Hubs

55%
of SA Population
70%+
Economic Activity
R70B
Annual Capital
8+
Metros & SEZs

South Africa's metropolitan municipalities concentrate the nation's research infrastructure, university capacity, and private-sector R&D. The Forum's hub model places innovation capacity where economic density already exists.

Digital Infrastructure by FORUS Digital

One platform, multiple applications. Every member interaction — from onboarding to governance — is auditable, automated, and intelligent.

Activate

KYC/KYB verified onboarding & member lifecycle

Chat

Governance channels, board transparency, collaboration

Academy

Training, certification, BBBEE skills development

Assure

SOPs, compliance workflows, audit trails

Automate

BPMN workflows for R&D, partnerships, operations

Amplify

Funding instruments, treasury, stablecoin rails

Store

B2B marketplace for STI enterprises

Accord

On-chain voting, board resolutions, governance

Join the STI Business Forum

Shape the future of South Africa's Science, Technology & Innovation ecosystem.

Become a Member View Proposal