Nimbus: Smart Irrigation Expands to Solve Botswana Water Crisis
Nimbus, a BIF-funded AgriTech company, is scaling its smart irrigation technology to address water scarcity challenges facing Botswana's…
Innovation Funding
Financial support for product development, prototyping, validation, piloting, and pre-commercialisation.
Pre-Commercialisation Support
Support for market readiness, capability building, standards compliance, and stronger routes to adoption.
Ecosystem Linkages
Connections to industry, research institutions, and strategic partners that strengthen innovation outcomes.
About BIF
A Dedicated Financial Instrument for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Botswana
The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) supports the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies, products, and services that drive Botswana's transition to a knowledge-based economy. Through strategic funding, partnerships, and innovation ecosystem support, BIF empowers entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to transform breakthrough ideas into scalable businesses.
- Stimulate R&D in priority areas — agriculture, healthcare, energy, and technology
- Bridge the funding gap for early-stage and growth-stage innovative enterprises
- Nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within Botswana
- Promote technology transfer and commercialisation
- Create high-value jobs and contribute to economic diversification
Public-Funded Grant Facility
Merit-Based · TRL4 – TRL8Non-dilutive grant funding awarded on technical merit, commercial viability, and national impact.
Innovation
Supporting bold ideas that challenge the status quo and create new markets.
Integrity
Transparent processes, merit-based decisions, and ethical stewardship of public funds.
Impact
Measurable contributions to economic diversification, jobs, and knowledge transfer.
Collaboration
Partnering with industry, academia, and government to grow the ecosystem.
"Our mandate is to transform Botswana's economy by funding the innovators who will define our knowledge-economy future."
26
Companies Funded
P20.4M
Funding Disbursed
6
Supported Sectors
Our Portfolio
Companies We've Funded
Nimbus Engineering
CleanTech
Spectrum Analytics
ICT
Mmaboi
ICT
Sharearide
ICT
Smartcom Innovations
ICT
BIUST
ICT
Anton Tech
ICT
Elgenuin
MiningPARTNERSHIPS
Our Strategic Partners
BIF works closely with industry, academia, government, and global development partners to amplify the reach and impact of Botswana's innovation ecosystem.
BDIH
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub
Grand Challenges
Global health & development funder
Mastercard Foundation
Inclusive growth & opportunity partner
Adaptation Fund
Climate adaptation finance
Government of Botswana
Ministry of Communications, Knowledge & Technology
BIUST
Botswana International University of Science & Technology
Scalar International
Africa Decarbonisation Fund partner
Arizona State University
SBIP academic partner
What We Fund
Priority Funding Areas
Agriculture & Agri-Processing
Supporting innovations in food production, precision farming, smart irrigation, and agricultural value chain development.
Learn MoreHealthcare & Life Sciences
Funding innovative medical technologies, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and health services that improve quality of life for Batswana.
Learn MoreEnergy & Environment
Supporting renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency technologies, and environmental innovations for Botswana's sustainability.
Learn MoreICT & Digital Solutions
Enabling digital transformation through software, fintech, AI, IoT, and smart infrastructure innovations.
Learn MoreMining & Mineral Beneficiation
Innovations in mining processes, mineral beneficiation, safety technologies, and sustainable extraction methods.
Learn MoreIndigenous Knowledge Systems
Commercialisation of traditional knowledge, indigenous innovations, and culturally relevant solutions.
Learn MoreHow We Work
Turning Innovation Into Market-Ready Solutions
BIF supports innovation development from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 8 — supporting Botswana-registered companies developing new or significantly improved products, processes, and technical services.
TRL 4
Lab Validated
Technology validated in laboratory environment with initial proof of concept.
TRL 5
Relevant Environment
Technology validated in a relevant real-world environment.
TRL 6
Demonstrated
Technology demonstrated in a relevant operational environment.
TRL 7
Operational Prototype
System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
TRL 8
System Complete
Actual system completed, qualified, and ready for deployment.
Latest Updates
News & Announcements
BIF-Funded Innovators Earn National Ecosystem Recognition
Several BIF portfolio companies have received national recognition for their contributions to Botswana's innovation ecosystem development.
NuCarbon Launch — Advanced Carbon Materials from Botswana
BIF-funded NuCarbon has achieved a major milestone with the launch of its advanced carbon nanomaterial production facility in…
SBIP Launches — Scalar Botswana Innovation Programme for Business Incubation
BIF has officially launched the Scalar Botswana Innovation Programme (SBIP) for Business Incubation, in partnership with Scalar Infrastructure…
Photo Gallery
BIF Events & Moments
Snapshots from our launches, programmes, and innovator showcases.
Come Visit Us
Plot 69184, Block 8, BDIH Science & Technology Park, Gaborone, Botswana
Get in Touch
Call Us+267 391 3328
Email Uscontactus@bif.co.bw