The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) of the Republic of South Africa, has issued an official call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for participation in the South Africa–Cuba Biotechnology Technology Transfer and Innovation Programme. Established under the TIA Act, 2008 (Act No. 26 of 2008), TIA’s mandate is to stimulate, intensify, and harness technological innovation to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of all South Africans. This initiative forms part of TIA’s broader mission to strengthen international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation through strategic global partnerships. Purpose of the Call The joint call by TIA, based in Pretoria, South Africa, and BioCubaFarma (BCF), headquartered in Havana, Cuba, seeks expressions of interest from South African entities to engage in Technology Transfer, Joint Development, and Joint Ventures for the development and commercialization of biotechnology products. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the exchange of scientific expertise and technological innovation between South Africa and Cuba, driving the development of globally competitive biotech solutions while fostering cross-border commercialization and sustainable partnerships. Background The bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Cuba in the field of health sciences has a long-standing foundation. A significant milestone in this partnership was reached in July 2025, when a Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Biotechnology was signed between TIA and BioCubaFarma. The partnership seeks to combine financial and non-financial support mechanisms from both countries to bring innovative biotech products to market. BioCubaFarma, recognized as a leading global biotechnology organization, and TIA, as a national catalyst for innovation, are strategically positioned to promote international collaboration and strengthen South Africa’s biotechnology landscape. Through this initiative, the two institutions aim to ensure transparency in the sharing of Cuban technologies that are available for technology transfer, joint product development, and commercialization. The collaboration is particularly focused on the multilateral development of therapies for neurodegenerative and chronic diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Lung Cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Objective The main objective of the SA–Cuba Biotechnology Collaboration is to internationalize promising biotechnology products and facilitate their market entry through co-development, technology transfer, and joint venture initiatives. This initiative targets projects proposed by BioCubaFarma and other innovative biotechnology developments from both nations, aimed at addressing key global health challenges and advancing biomedical research capacity. Scope of Participation The EOI is open to South African organizations with expertise and capacity in biotechnology, clinical research, diagnostics, or therapeutic development. Eligible institutions include: Research Institutions and Universities Biotechnology Companies Healthcare Innovation Entities Successful participants will have the opportunity to co-develop biotechnology projects, exchange knowledge and skills, and participate in technology transfer programs with Cuban partners. Products Available for Partnering The Cuban biotechnology sector, represented by BioCubaFarma, offers a range of advanced products and research projects available for collaboration. These include: Placental Histotherapy: A treatment for skin conditions such as Vitiligo, Psoriasis, and Alopecia, derived from human placenta. ESTEP (CNEURO): A therapeutic intervention for drug-resistant epilepsy. Nimotuzumab (CIM): A monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR, designed for the treatment of several epithelial tumors. NeuralCIM (CIM): A nasal formulation of human Erythropoietin (EPO) for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These projects are at various stages of product and market readiness and are supported by leading Cuban research institutions, including: CNEURO – Cuban Center for Neuroscience CIGB – Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology CIM – Center for Molecular Immunology AICA – AICA Pharmaceutical Laboratory FarmaCuba Hisplacen Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a biotechnology company, research institution, or healthcare innovator based in South Africa or Cuba. Submit Curriculum Vitae and valid identification documents for all participants. Demonstrate capacity for collaborative research and product development. Provide all required documentation to support the proposed project, including evidence of prior experience with similar initiatives. Ensure submissions are made before the specified deadline; late or misdirected submissions will not be considered. Submission Requirements and Deadlines Interested parties are required to submit: A cover letter expressing interest A company profile detailing relevant experience A project proposal or collaboration concept Supporting documentation (e.g., case studies, technical capability statements) A completed questionnaire VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.