Getting Technical Innovation Agency (TIA) funding starts with a pitch deck that proves your technology works, scales, and de-risks investment. This page explains the precise technical feasibility content TIA reviewers expect, how to structure your deck, common pitfalls, and a ready-to-use checklist to fast-track approval.
MzansiWriters.co.za specialises in South African institutional funding frameworks and pitch-deck writing. Our team crafts technical sections that meet TIA standards and speak directly to technical reviewers and investment committees. Contact us through the contact form on the right bar or by clicking the WhatsApp icon.
Why Technical Feasibility Matters to TIA
TIA invests in technologies with a clear pathway from prototype to commercialisation. Technical feasibility is the proof point that your solution is technically viable, reproducible, and ready to scale under the proposed budget and timeframe. Without robust technical evidence, a compelling market case is insufficient.
Reviewers weigh:
- Demonstrable performance against specifications.
- Reproducibility and manufacturability.
- Risks, mitigation plans, and realistic milestones.
- Regulatory and IP readiness.
Core Technical Sections Every TIA Pitch Deck Needs
Include these technical sections as separate slides or attachments. Each item should be concise, evidence-based, and referenced to annexures where appropriate.
- Technology concept & working principle — simple schematic, critical components, novelty.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) & rationale — current TRL, path to higher TRL.
- Prototype / proof-of-concept evidence — photos, test data, performance metrics.
- Development roadmap & milestones — clear technical milestones with timelines.
- Risk register & mitigation — technical, regulatory, and scalability risks.
- Manufacturing / scale-up plan — process flow, suppliers, BOM and pilot volumes.
- Regulatory & standards compliance — required approvals and current status.
- Intellectual Property (IP) status — patents filed, FTO analysis, confidentiality measures.
- Team & technical capability — CV highlights, labs, facilities, external partners.
- Budget breakdown for technical activities — realistic costings linked to milestones.
Slide-by-Slide Technical Breakdown
Use the following recommended slide structure to make each technical claim verifiable and reviewer-ready.
Slide: Technology Summary
Two short paragraphs plus a labelled diagram. Highlight the innovation and the measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency improvement, cost reduction).
Slide: TRL & Validation Evidence
State your TRL and list the tests performed. Attach raw data or test reports in an annexure. Reviewers expect metrics, not just claims.
Slide: Prototype & Test Results
Show lab/pilot photos, test setups, and a results table. Include test conditions, sample size, and repeatability metrics.
Slide: Development Plan & Gantt
Present a 12–24 month technical Gantt with milestones and deliverables tied to funding tranches.
Slide: Manufacturing & Scale-Up
Describe pilot production, process flow, key suppliers, and estimated cost per unit at pilot vs. scaled production.
Slide: Risk & Mitigation
Provide a concise risk matrix (probability × impact) and mitigation actions with owners and timelines.
Slide: Regulatory & IP
Summarise required approvals (SAHPRA, NRCS, SABS or other), status, and IP position. Attach proof of filings.
Slide: Team & Facilities
List key personnel and external partners with one-line relevance statements. Include facility availability (test labs, pilot plant).
TRL Table & Supporting Evidence
| TRL Level | Typical Evidence Required | Example Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 2–3 | Concept validation, lab experiments | Lab reports, schematics |
| TRL 4–5 | Component integration, small-scale prototypes | Bench test data, interim report |
| TRL 6–7 | System prototype in relevant environment | Pilot test reports, performance curves |
| TRL 8–9 | Commercial pilot / full-scale operation | Production trial reports, customer pilot agreements |
Include raw data as annexures and reference specific pages in your deck. TIA reviewers expect traceability from claim to evidence.
Technical Feasibility Checklist (Ready to Use)
| Item | Why it matters | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Clear TRL statement | Sets reviewer expectations | One-line TRL + justification |
| Prototype evidence | Demonstrates functionality | Photos, test reports, metrics |
| Repeatability data | Shows reliability | Multiple test runs, statistical analysis |
| BOM & costings | Shows scale potential | Unit cost breakdown |
| Manufacturing plan | Demonstrates scale-up | Process flow & suppliers |
| Risk register | Shows risk awareness | Risk table with mitigations |
| Regulatory map | Identifies approvals needed | Regulatory timeline & owner |
| IP documentation | Protects value | Patent filings, FTO summary |
| Team CVs | Confirms capability | One-page bios for key staff |
| Annexed raw data | Verifiable claims | Test logs, certificates |
Use this checklist to confirm every technical claim in your deck has supporting evidence.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Over-claiming performance without raw data. Always include test logs or full reports as annexures.
- Vagueness on scale-up. Provide a pilot plan with suppliers and estimated unit economics.
- Ignoring regulatory timelines. Map approvals against project milestones and funding drawdowns.
- Weak team evidence. Highlight specific technical roles and past deliverables, not generic bios.
We rewrite technical sections to avoid these pitfalls by translating lab results into clear, reviewer-focused evidence and connecting milestones to budget and timelines.
What TIA Technical Reviewers Look For (In Plain Terms)
- Verifiable test results rather than marketing claims.
- Realistic development timelines and budgets.
- Clear mitigation plans for technical and regulatory risks.
- A capable team with demonstrable experience in the relevant domain.
Meeting these expectations increases funding probability and shortens due diligence.
How MzansiWriters.co.za Helps You Get Technical Approval
MzansiWriters combines funding-sector expertise with technical writing skills tailored to TIA standards. Our deliverables include:
- Fully optimised technical pitch deck slides.
- Annexures with curated test summaries and data presentation.
- TRL mapping and a milestone-linked Gantt chart.
- Risk register, manufacturing plan, and regulatory action plan.
- Professional bios tailored to funding-reviewer expectations.
We translate complex technical data into concise, evidence-based narrative that appeals to reviewers and decision-makers.
Typical Process & Turnaround
- Discovery & document request (1–2 days): we gather test reports and team CVs.
- Draft technical slides & annexures (4–7 business days): includes TRL mapping and checklist.
- Client review & revisions (2–3 days).
- Final delivery in pitch-deck-ready format.
Urgent projects can be expedited. Contact us to discuss timelines for your specific project.
Pricing & Engagement Options
We offer tailored packages for:
- Full pitch deck write-up (technical + commercial).
- Technical section only (includes annexures).
- Review & optimisation (existing deck).
Request a scoped quote via the contact form on the right bar or by clicking the WhatsApp icon.
FAQ
Q: What level of test data does TIA require?
A: TIA requires verifiable test data appropriate to your TRL. For TRL 4–6, bench and pilot test reports with repeatability data are expected.
Q: Do you prepare regulatory submissions?
A: We prepare a regulatory roadmap and supporting documentation for the pitch. For formal regulatory filings, we collaborate with specialist consultants as required.
Q: How do you handle confidential IP data?
A: We treat all IP and test data as confidential. We recommend including redacted annexures in public decks and providing full reports under NDA during due diligence.
Ready to strengthen your TIA application with a technical pitch deck that passes scrutiny? Contact MzansiWriters.co.za today. Use the contact form on the right bar or click the WhatsApp icon to start—our team will respond promptly and help you convert technical credibility into funding approval.