Botswana Innovation Fund seeks applications that address key national and or global challenges from local solutions providers. The challenges should be addressed by innovative solutions. BIF applications place emphasis on facilitation of local Intellectual Property development and registration, innovative solutions at prototype development, technology transfer, and pre-commercialisation.

• Mining Technologies — Focused on facilitating joint research and development in mining and related technologies focusing on technology providers as well as business development in exploration, geology, mining, ore processing and mineral beneficiation technologies. Key projects include value-adding solutions in the sector that are technology enablers which effectively address production costs, safety, efficiency and innovative processes.
• Clean Technologies — Catalyses activities relating to Clean Technologies; renewable energy and environmental research; development and commercial activities within those areas. It emphasises environmental sustainability, renewable energy, cleaner coal, water conservation and waste management (water and energy).
• Agricultural and Health Technologies (Biotechnology) — Catalyses more commercial business in the areas of Agriculture and Health. Opportunities include support towards new products development, testing and manufacturing with special emphasis on addressing cross-cutting issues of food security and health. Key projects include but are not limited to new food and nutrition products, additives, supplements, and snacks.
• Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) — A unique platform that enables ICT growth through research and development, ICT development and commercial business activities. Activities in ICT like software development, voice and data networks, business process automation, applications development for transport, finance, business. Targeted solutions in manufacturing, transport, fintech, agribusiness among others. Solutions must be aligned to the national clusters of the economy (Finance and Knowledge Intensive Business Systems, Agriculture/Beef, Tourism, Manufacturing and Services) and may demonstrate technology uptake through big data, AI, blockchain, and IoT.
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems — Alternative medicine and supplementary nutrition products based on local plant and animal material, including medicinal solutions; targeted solutions and products based on inclusive innovation processes supporting grassroots innovations.
• Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) — Value-added business services including consultancies, providing specialised solutions. Targeting specialised services that enable the above solutions e.g. project management processes.