Frequently Asked Questions
Got 
questions?
We've got answers.
Whether you're an innovator wondering if you qualify, a funder looking at how we're governed, or an organisation weighing up our advisory work — the answers are below.
Applying & Eligibility
Who can apply to an Innovalanga programme?
Our programmes are built for young people, township and rural innovators, and early-stage entrepreneurs across South Africa — with particular depth in Mpumalanga and the Lekwa area. You don't need a registered company or a formal qualification to start. You need an idea, a problem worth solving, and the willingness to do the work.
Do I need a registered business to apply?
No. Many people come to us with an idea rather than a company. If your venture needs to be registered to move forward, helping you do that is part of the programme.
How do I apply?
Applications open through the Apply link on this site. You'll be asked about your idea, how far you've taken it, and what support you need. If you'd rather speak to someone first, contact us and we'll point you to the right programme.
What happens after I submit an application?
Every application is screened against the criteria for that programme, and shortlisted applicants are invited to a readiness assessment or interview. We come back to every applicant with an outcome — successful or not.
Programmes & Training
What programmes does Innovalanga run?
Our programmes move through four stages. Discover finds and surfaces innovation through scouting, outreach and challenges. Develop builds capability through bootcamps, digital skills training and enterprise curriculum. Fund gets ventures grant- and investment-ready. Scale opens markets, mentorship and networks.
Are the programmes accredited?
We deliver training aligned to MICT SETA programmes alongside our own curriculum. Where a programme carries formal accreditation, the programme page says so. If you're unsure which applies to you, ask us before you apply.
Do the programmes cost anything?
Programmes delivered under a funding partnership are free to the people taking part — the funder carries the cost. Where we deliver work commercially for an organisation, that is quoted separately.
Do I have to travel to take part?
It depends on the programme. Some run in person at our hubs in Standerton and Sakhile. Others — including Spana Online — are delivered online, so you can take part from anywhere in the country.
Our Hubs
Where are your hubs?
The Innovalanga Innovation Lab is at 77A Robert Street, Meyerville, Standerton, Mpumalanga. The Innovalanga Digital Centre is at 1902 Makgahlela Street, Sakhile, Lekwa. SAYEC CIE is at 1653 Makgahlela Street, Sakhile, Lekwa. Spana Online runs online, nationwide. Our head office is in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
What is the difference between the hubs?
The Innovation Lab is where ideas get built and tested. The Digital Centre focuses on digital skills and access. SAYEC CIE is our Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, working with youth enterprise. Spana Online extends the same support to people who cannot reach a physical hub.
Can I visit a hub if I am not on a programme?
Get in touch before you travel. We run open sessions, community outreach and events alongside the programmes, and we will tell you what is on and whether there is space.
Can my organisation work with a hub?
Yes. Corporates, government departments and NGOs partner with us to host programmes, sponsor cohorts or run sessions at our hubs. Contact us to talk it through.
Funding & Support
Does Innovalanga fund businesses directly?
Our Fund stream covers seed funding, grant support, investor readiness and business development support. What is available to you depends on the programme you are in and the funders behind it — we will be clear about what you qualify for.
Can you help me apply for funding elsewhere?
Yes. Grant support is core to what we do: understanding what a particular funder is looking for, putting a credible application together, and meeting the reporting that comes afterwards.
What support continues after a programme ends?
Mentorship, coaching, market access and our alumni network sit in the Scale stream, so support does not stop the day the programme does.
Will I have to give up equity?
Any funding terms — including whether equity is involved — are set out in writing before you commit to anything. If you are weighing up an offer, ask us and we will walk you through what it means.
Partners & Funders
Who does Innovalanga work with?
We work with government, SETAs, corporates, development finance institutions and community organisations. Our current partners are listed on the About page.
What are your company credentials?
Innovalanga operates under Saturated Holdings (Pty) Ltd — registration 2019/183438/07, VAT 4830313740, CSD registration MAAA1016709, and a B-BBEE Level 1 contributor.
How is the organisation governed?
We operate on King IV principles, with a defined board and executive structure. Governance, registrations and compliance detail are on the About page.
How do you report on impact?
We report against the outcomes agreed with each funder — participation, completion, ventures supported, and what happened afterwards. Reporting goes to our partners directly and is summarised under Impact & Reports.
Services & Advisory
What services do you offer organisations?
Four lines: Innovation Management, IP Registration & Commercialisation, Policy & Research Advisory, and Green Enterprise & Local Industrialisation. The Services page covers each in detail.
Can you help protect and commercialise IP?
Yes. We work with innovators and organisations on registering intellectual property and then turning it into something commercially viable — through licensing, partnership, or a business built around it.
Do you work outside Mpumalanga?
Yes. Our hubs are rooted in Mpumalanga and our head office is in Johannesburg, but our advisory work and online programmes run nationally.
How do I get a quote?
Send us an outline of what you need — scope, timeline and who it is for. We will come back with a proposal and pricing.
Get in Touch
Not every question fits in a list. Tell us what you are trying to work out and we will answer properly.
From first idea to funded, trading business — our programmes, hubs and advisory work are built to move innovation forward.
We Are Here to Help
Still Haven't Got
The Answer You Need?
These are the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, contact us — whether you are applying, partnering or buying, we will answer it.