The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), through its Science and Technology Park (STP) and in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) aimed at supporting Eastern Cape enterprises involved in hemp and cannabis beneficiation through biotechnology. The programme targets businesses that have already developed product prototypes and require support to advance towards pilot-scale, demonstration-scale and commercial production.
The initiative builds on the work already being undertaken through the ELIDZ STP, which currently supports more than 71 enterprises across a range of innovation, incubation and enterprise development programmes. Through these programmes, the STP continues to support entrepreneurs and innovators in developing products, strengthening their competitiveness and pursuing opportunities for growth.
While the STP supports enterprises across multiple sectors, this particular call focuses specifically on hemp and cannabis beneficiation, with an emphasis on product development and value addition. The programme seeks to identify enterprises that have moved beyond the concept stage and are ready to further develop products with commercial potential.
For Eastern Cape enterprises, the opportunity extends beyond cultivation. A key focus of the programme is the development of products and applications derived from hemp and cannabis, creating greater value through local processing and manufacturing. Potential applications include biofuels, biomaterials, bio-composites, bioplastics and textiles, all of which have the potential to contribute to the growth of value-added industries within the province.
The programme also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the province’s industrial base by supporting innovation-led manufacturing and encouraging greater participation in emerging sectors. By promoting
