Aerospace Industry Support Initiative

Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI)

The AISI is an initiative of the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic). The AISI is hosted and managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and has a specific aim of industrial development. The AISI is a fully government-funded mechanism to support the local South African aeronautics, defence, space, marine and other advanced manufacturing sector-wide industries.

The AISI closely aligns its objectives with those of the dtic. Through this alignment, the AISI seeks to contribute to the achievement of the dtic’s apex outcomes of industrialisation, localisation, jobs creation, exports, transformation, and building a capable state.

AISI’s Interventions

The AISI’s interventions will be delivered through key programmes, each with a specific focus on technology development, supplier competitiveness, and industry awareness. The key programmes are:

  • Aerospace and Defence Technology Based Industry and Supplier Development Programme
  • Sector-Wide Technology Development and Accreditation Programme (Including Marine Manufacturing and other Advanced Manufacturing Industries)

All programmes within AISI focus on:

  • Standards and accreditations: Assisting companies in obtaining both local and global accreditations and certifications to improve market access and export potential. Examples of accreditations and/or certifications supported  include, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO140001, AS/EN 9100, IACS (marine), PED, ISO 3834 (welding certification), SABS or any industry related standards to certify specific products, or processes such as welding capability.
  • Technology Enhancement: improving and/or augmenting existing products, development of new products, improving existing manufacturing processes or developing new manufacturing processes, prototyping, etc.

Interested beneficiaries in the aerospace and defence, marine, or other advanced manufacturing industries are encouraged to apply.

Criteria for Support

The AISI invites eligible advanced manufacturing companies to apply for participation. Companies must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be South African-registered companies in advanced manufacturing.
  • Either defined as an SMME, i.e. <250 full-time employees and annual turnover < R170 million or a Non-SMME. Non-SMMEs can be supported, although there are additional requirements to show that the intended project(s) provide support, or are developing, SMMEs as part of their supplier development outreach.
  • Preference will be given to SMMEs and companies aligned with the dtic’s strategic objectives.
  • The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) should be at TRL 4 or higher for aerospace and defence related projects, or TRL 6 and higher for marine and other advanced manufacturing related projects.
  • Some form of co-funding is required for all projects and will depend on the type, scope and budget of the project.
  • The AISI support is limited to a maximum of (excluding VAT):
    • R1 500 000 for aerospace and defence,
    • R1 000 000 for other advanced manufacturing industries, and
    • R750 000 for marine.

The final amount to be supported will be determined by the actual project scope.

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Qualification & Critical Factors: Compliance with registration, tax, and sector-specific requirements.
  • Differentiation Factors: Experience, black ownership, BBBEE level, and contributions to the local manufacturing industry needs.

Interested beneficiaries can find additional information in the Expression of Interest Terms of Reference for AISI support.

Application Key Information

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