TIA’s mandate is to enable and support technological innovation across all sectors of the economy in order to achieve socio-economic benefits for South Africa and enhance its global competitiveness.

TIA's CEO, Simphiwe Duma, and CFO Barbara Kortjass, have been summarily dismissed from their posts in April 2014 after a forensic inquiry.

In 2013, Science and technology director general Phil Mjwara wrote to Dr Ramphele, the former chair of the board, informing her of the forensic investigation regarding “the alleged breakdown of corporate governance, policy and procedural issues in respect of procurement of services, recruitment and appointment of staff, and investment processes.

TIA has investments in numerous sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Mining, ICT, Energy, Agriculture, Industrial Biotechnology and Health TIA provides funding to a wide range of entities which includes: Small Medium Micro Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) and large companies, Science Councils and High Education Institutions.

Aims to promote and stimulate the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst young people (18yrs-35yrs) by providing access to financial, intellectual property, regulatory and business support resources.