Building the climate innovation pipeline: unlocking small funds to accelerate and de-risk local solutions

The CSIR@80 – G-STIC Conference opens with a high-level plenary session that establishes an ambitious vision for Africa’s leadership in sustainable innovation. As the first G-STIC conference to be hosted on African soil, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, this opening session will highlight the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive inclusive development across the continent and beyond. 

Focusing on 'Science, Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future’, the session will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society to accelerate the deployment of transformative solutions that can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. With a strong regional focus, the session will elevate African perspectives in the global sustainability dialogu, championing homegrown solutions with the potential to be scaled up worldwide. 

The session sets the scene for two days of cross-sector dialogue and collaboration, inviting participants to join forces to build a fair, more resilient and prosperous future through innovation. It’s not just a beginning, it’s a call to action. 

Although South Africa has a strong track record in sustainability science over the past 80-years, this high-level session will examine the urgent need to scale up sustainability-focused science, technology and innovation (STI) to support socio-economic development in South Africa and Africa amid accelerating global change. 

Despite advances, the continent still faces structural challenges, such as persistent poverty, unemployment, infrastructure gaps and resource insecurity, that hinder inclusive growth. Africa’s abundant natural resources have not created a system of equality, security and peace for all, nor have they supported the level of infrastructure development and resource security necessary for communities to thrive. These systemic vulnerabilities are compounded by intensifying environmental risks, which are now considered the most significant global threat to businesses over the next decade.  

South Africa’s recurring droughts, energy insecurity, and growing global competition for critical minerals exemplify the intersection of climate, resource and development risks. To attain the objectives of South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, we must consider development in the context of sustainable resource use and examine how targeted STI investment, capacity building and policy alignment can enable just, resilient and sustainable development that improves quality of life for all. 

The panel will consider practical, near-term actions and partnerships that can enable such development and improve quality of life for all. Join leading national and international experts for a timely discussion to mark the CSIR’s 80th anniversary.

Africa is striving to develop renewable energy sources while also increasing access to energy. Although the continent has great renewable energy capacity, more than 500 million people still lack consistent access to electricity. The lack of coherent energy policy presents a significant obstacle preventing efficient coordination and slowing progress towards the advancement of SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). 

At the same time, emerging technologies such as AI-powered smart grids and grid hydrogen offer solutions to grid instability and industrial carbon emissions. However, these solutions must be tailored to local requirements taking infrastructure limitations, technical knowledge, and affordability into account.  

Drawing on these insights, this session will address the different key questions. We will explore how African countries can align their fragmented energy policies with SDG 7 to ensure both universal energy access and renewable energy development. And we will dive into how Africa can localise modern energy technologies, such as AI-powered smart grids and grid hydrogen, to meet its specific needs and overcome its energy access challenges. During the session, experts will explore practical solutions and strategic pathways for a sustainable future.

The 2030 Agenda was designed to address global challenges, but progress has stalled due to political fragmentation and the escalating climate crisis. Climate change worsens hunger, poverty, inequality, and health risks. In 2023, 733 million people were facing hunger, and rising temperatures and extreme weather events are fuelling disease outbreaks such as the 12.4 million cases of dengue fever in 2024 and the over 350,000 cases of cholera in Africa since 2021.  

Ocean degradation is also disrupting food systems and livelihoods. Fragmented policies on climate, biodiversity, and pollution often hinder progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Health is deeply affected by, and central to, sustainable development — it must be integrated across policies. Resilient, equitable health systems support gender equality, education, and food security.  

Ahead of COP30 and the Global Goal on Adaptation talks, this G-STIC conference is a pivotal moment to incorporate health into adaptation indicators. This session will bring together global experts to promote action and innovation for integrated, climate-resilient health strategies and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. 

Water is the cornerstone of sustainable development, yet it remains a fragile and unevenly distributed resource across Africa. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, climate variability, pollution, and insufficient investments in infrastructure are putting immense pressure on water systems that are already under strain. In many parts of the continent, millions of people still lack access to safe and reliable water, which undermines health, food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. 

This plenary session will explore the multifaceted challenges confronting Africa’s water security, while highlighting the innovations and policy pathways that could help to shape a more resilient future. 

Fungal protein for food security  

More sustainable than proteins from livestock and crops  

Dr Moonsamy, a fungal expert at the CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre, will discuss the many sustainability and cost advantages of producing protein in a bioreactor over producing it from livestock or crops.  

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope:  https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d 

Rapid tests to screen for crop virus infections 

Animal-free antibody discovery and production 

11:35 – 11:45  - Dr Priyen Pillay, CSIR Senior Researcher  

Dr Pillay will talk about using bacteria and plants, rather than animals, to amplify target proteins unique to local crop virus strains. These proteins can then be used to create matching antibodies for point-of-care virus diagnostic kits for use on farms. 

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope:  https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d 

Building trust from farm to fork 

Digital tracing with ILIMA helps small famers 

11:55 – 12:05 - Anieke Swanepoel, CSIR researcher 

Anieke Swanepoel will demonstrate how the ILIMA platform provides customers with farm-to-fork transparency, covering growth hormones, medicines, feeding practices, farm conditions, storage and refrigerated transport to markets.   

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope:  https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d

This session emphasises the importance of leveraging homegrown and localised technologies for national security, industrial growth, and safety through a 'whole-of-society' approach. It addresses the strengthening of sovereign technologies for defense, cybersecurity and public safety, as well as enhancing border security and using data for disaster resilience and safety management.   

Key challenges include security vulnerabilities impacting SDG progress, the specific security and sustainability hurdles faced by South Africa, policy shifts for technology sovereignty, and effective private-public partnership models. The session aims to identify actionable strategies and technological innovations, emphasizing SDG 9 (industry), SDG 16 (peace, justice, and safety), and SDG 13 (climate action). The aim is to foster collaboration and improve understanding of the role of technology in achieving safe and sustainable development. 

Global food security remains a major challenge, requiring increased agricultural productivity and resilient food systems to achieve sustainable development. Emerging technologies are crucial for increasing food production, and managing the complex interactions between animal, human, and environmental risks within the food system.  

Digitalisation is vital for transforming agriculture in the Global South, particularly in Africa. However, a significant digital divide is reported to limit equitable access to technology and improved agricultural productivity. Several barriers to agricultural technology exacerbate food insecurity, with some being associated with social factors and norms. These complex challenges require comprehensive interventions by multiple stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to achieve the transformation of sustainable food systems. 

This brokerage event brings together innovators, climate scientists, philanthropic organisations, development banks, and public funders to accelerate the development of climate solutions in Africa and around the world. Designed as an interactive matchmaking forum, it addresses the question of how to increase impact with funding. 

The session features a dynamic mix of presentations, reversed pitching and curated one-to-one meetings to unlock new partnerships across the climate, innovation and finance landscape. Special attention is given to aligning innovation pipelines that link R&D, demonstration and deployment with the appropriate financial instruments. Whether you are a funder seeking impact or a project team ready to scale up, this is where climate deals begin. 

Participation is by invitation only. If you are interested in the event, please reach out to ilke.geleyn@vito.be.

Compost this: heat-and-eat packaging   

Heat-stable, preventing spoilage and easy to manufacture  

Dr Sinha Roy, a polymer nanocomposites researcher at the CSIR, will share how a new biodegradable polymer can be used in food packaging. This polymer has been validated in pilot-scale production and can easily be integrated into existing packaging processes.  

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope: https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d 

Compost this: medical bioplastics  

Single-use surgical aprons and diagnostic kit cassettes  

Dr Mathew will discuss new biodegradable innovations that address a major environmental pollution issue. Traditional single-use diagnostic kit cassettes and surgical aprons, which are used in large quantities every day in the medical industry, are made from petroleum-based plastics that do not biodegrade.  

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope: https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d 

Compost this: fruit and vegetable mulching 

Pineapples grow faster under a new biodegradable crop soil cover 

14:50 – 15:00 - Dr Vincent Ojijo, CSIR Principal Researcher and Research Group Leader in Advanced Polymer Composites  

Dr Ojijo, a polymer expert at the CSIR, will demonstrate a new biodegradable mulch film designed to fully decompose into carbon dioxide, water and biomass.  Early results from farm trials in Ghana and the Eastern Cape suggest that the mulches improve the growth rate of pineapples. 

Read more in the #sustainability edition of the CSIR publication, ScienceScope: https://indd.adobe.com/view/331ae416-bb7a-4f6e-8df1-022b650ebb6d 

Repair, don’t replace!  

Use laser tech for refurbishment and 3D printing 

Dr Mabhali will share examples of how photonics researchers use laser technology to create, maintain, repair and refurbish metal components. This approach saves time and money, while being environmentally friendly.

Fueling sustainable development of Africa’s bioeconomy is both an opportunity and a pressing challenge.  Africa has a huge potential of biomass production and more than 40% of its population is involved in food production through agriculture. However, the continent is unable to benefit from the valorisation of its biomass. A lack of storage and processing capacity leads to significant losses, with international markets capturing the greatest share of added value.  

This session will evaluate how Africa can benefit more from its agriculture and forestry in a sustainable way that supports social development.  

The session will begin with a keynote address on the current state of the bioeconomy in Africa. The importance of agriculture and primary production will be explained, followed by an examination of the extensive indigenous knowledge concerning specific plants and the underutilisation of this knowledge. Representatives from industry will then discuss market opportunities in the sugar and forestry sectors.  

Through the final panel discussion, the presenters will issue a joint statement to the GIB and COP30 on the role of the bioeconomy in promoting sustainable development that benefits local communities. 

Geothermal energy is a stable and low-carbon resource from the Earth's crust that can provide reliable power and heat regardless of the weather or time of day. It can be used for both electricity generation and a variety of direct applications such as heating, agriculture, and industry, and can contribute to energy diversification and climate goals. 

Technologies range from steam-based power plants to geothermal heat pumps. Innovations such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Super-long Gravity Heat Pipe (SLGHP) systems are expanding access to previously untapped resources and improving the efficiency with which heat is extracted. Even though global capacity is growing to 15 GW for power and over 100 GW for direct heat—geothermal energy still faces high upfront costs, exploration risks, and site-specific limitations. 

This session will explore emerging technologies, international collaboration, and successful case studies in power and direct-use applications. Experts will discuss the challenges involved in scaling up geothermal energy, and the strategies to unlock its full potential for a sustainable energy future. 

Climate change poses an increasing threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups who face systemic inequalities and limited access to healthcare. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, are linked to rising rates of cardiovascular and respiratory issues, mental health problems and other health issues, particularly in urban areas affected by the heat island effect and pollution. Healthcare facilities are also at risk, with climate disruption threatening infrastructure and continuity of care. 

This session will bring together global experts to promote equity-centred strategies that strengthen health systems through the use of science, technology, and innovation. The focus will be on genomic surveillance, environmental data, and inclusive planning to protect vulnerable groups, ensure access to care, and advance the health-related goals of the 2030 Agenda. 

Water scarcity is intensifying across the globe due to increasing demand, pollution, and climate change. Regions that were once rich in freshwater are now experiencing seasonal shortages, while those that were already arid are facing an even greater strain on their resources. Building climate resilience requires smarter water use, stronger governance, and sustainable investments across all sectors.

This session will explore how industries, agriculture, and governments can transition towards water-positive pathways, moving beyond efficiency to regenerate water sources and reduce risk. Innovative strategies will be highlighted, from precision farming and industrial water stewardship to cross-sectoral collaboration.  Experts from the fields of policy, business, science, and civil society will share their insights and tools for integrating climate adaptation and water sustainability. Together, we will explore how a water-positive approach can support the achievement of key SDGs, such as clean water, climate action, sustainable consumption, and ecosystem health.

South Africa’s strategic safety and security technology capabilities offer significant potential to address national and global development challenges. From disaster response to digital infrastructure, homegrown innovation can play a vital role in building more resilient, inclusive, and secure societies. Unlocking this potential requires a whole-of-society approach — leveraging public–private partnerships (PPPs) to align technological progress with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This session will explore four thematic deep dives into key technologies and innovation pathways. Specific opportunities to be highlighted include: secure digital infrastructure through PKI (SDGs 9.1, 16.a), long-range cameras for safer cities and borders (SDGs 11.1, 16.1), K-line sensors for early warning and climate resilience (SDGs 11.5, 13.1), and sovereign remote sensing for resource monitoring and disaster response (SDGs 13.2, 15.1). Together, these examples demonstrate how targeted joint ventures can accelerate progress on resilience (SDGs 9, 11), safety (SDG 16), and sustainable resource management (SDGs 13, 15).

This brokerage event brings together innovators, climate scientists, philanthropic organisations, development banks, and public funders to accelerate the development of climate solutions in Africa and around the world. Designed as an interactive matchmaking forum, it addresses the question of how to increase impact with funding.

The session features a dynamic mix of presentations, reversed pitching and curated one-to-one meetings to unlock new partnerships across the climate, innovation and finance landscape. Special attention is given to aligning innovation pipelines that link R&D, demonstration and deployment with the appropriate financial instruments. Whether you are a funder seeking impact or a project team ready to scale up, this is where climate deals begin.

Participation is by invitation only. If you are interested in the event, please reach out to ilke.geleyn@vito.be.