The South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI), funded by the Department of Science and Technology, opened a call for applications in 2023 for its Emerging Leaders program. The program offered two-year funding for four positions valued at R1,000,000 (approximately USD 55,000) per annum each, distributed through the National Research Foundation.
Applicants were required to hold a PhD and be employed on a permanent or contract basis for the duration of the award. Research areas had to fall within one of three SA QuTI flagship pillars: quantum communication, quantum computing, or quantum sensing/metrology/imaging. A minimum co-funding of R500,000 per annum from the host university or laboratory was required.
Emerging Leaders were expected to either strengthen an existing quantum node at UKZN, Stellenbosch University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wits, or the University of Zululand, or help establish a new node. Dr. Isaac Nape at Wits was named the first SA QuTI Emerging Leader, and Dr. Kelvin Mpofu at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research became the second in 2024.