INNOVATION IN ACTION
INNOVATION IN ACTION
We believe research must lead to real-world value. Scientific innovation is key to ensuring the wine industry stays competitive, especially in a rapidly evolving world shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We’re building a strong innovation ecosystem that connects researchers, startups, and industry stakeholders to solve complex challenges. Open innovation challenges have helped attract fresh talent and technologies to the sector, showing how new ideas can impact wine and brandy production. In 2022, we launched an Entrepreneur in Residence pilot with Cadence Lyfe to help bring promising research to market. Two standout projects were prioritised:
TerraClim
A climate and terrain data platform that helps producers manage the impacts of seasonal shifts. A full business plan has been approved and is being closely monitored.
PhenoLAB
A web-based tool for analysing phenolic data in red grapes and wines, currently piloted with industry users.
TerraClim
A climate and terrain data platform that helps producers manage the impacts of seasonal shifts. A full business plan has been approved and is being closely monitored.
PhenoLAB
A web-based tool for analysing phenolic data in red grapes and wines, currently piloted with industry users.
We recently supported the South African Brandy Innovation Challenge, which uncovered bold new ideas ranging from ready-mix cocktails to brandy-art collaborations and custom barrel clubs. Winners of the challenge received funding and mentorship to help grow their concepts into viable businesses.
Through initiatives like these, South African Wine RDI translates research into practical tools and business opportunities, supports startups and students through pitching dens and innovation challenges, drives the development of new products, processes, and business models, and attracts investment into wine and brandy innovation.
Our goal is to develop a clear roadmap for innovation across the entire wine value chain, build strategic partnerships with both local and international investors, collaborate with incubators, and test agritech solutions through pilot projects, while prioritising ideas with the potential for fast return on investment.
From pilot projects like TerraClim and PhenoLAB to our growing database of wine-related startups, we are committed to ensuring that innovation continues to power the future of the South African wine industry.
