Get to Know TPI
Helping Makers Turn Precious Metals Into Livelihoods
The Platinum Incubator is a non-profit incubator under the Seda Technology Programme and the Department of Small Business Development, based at ORBIT TVET College in Rustenburg.
We help artisans and SMMEs move from training or informal trade into formal, profitable enterprise.
Secure Workshops
Master Mentors
Programme Completion
Our Programmes
Three Phases From
Idea to Market
Pre-Incubation
Six months of feasibility checks, skills diagnostics, compliance, CAD training and business planning.
Incubation
Three years of workshop access, specialised machinery, metal sourcing and master artisan mentoring.
Post-Incubation
Independent operations with nominal-fee equipment access, trade shows and retail pipelines.
Our Facilities
Shared Equipment for
Precious Metal Work
Bay $
Per Person
Casting Bay
Casting machines and kilns for precise production in platinum, gold and silver.
Induction Required
Lab $
Per Person
CAD/CAM & 3D Printing
CAD stations, 3D printers and laser welders for design-led, accurate work.
Induction Required
Applications for the next pre-incubation intake are open. Start your journey now
+
SMMEs
Supported
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Graduated
Businesses
+
Jobs
Sustained
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Master
Mentors
Incubatee Stories
What Our Makers Are Saying
TPI gave me access to a casting machine and a mentor. I went from making pieces at home to supplying retail stores.
The pre-incubation phase helped me register my business and price my work properly for the first time.
Through TPI I exhibited at my first trade show and landed corporate gifting orders.
FAQs
Questions About Applying?
Get the Answers Now
+
YearsSupporting Makers
Who can apply to TPI?
Artisans, jewellery designers and SMMEs working with platinum group or precious metals, from graduates to informal traders ready to formalise.
How long is each phase?
Pre-incubation lasts six months, incubation up to three years, and alumni continue with post-incubation support.
What does incubation cost?
Programme support is subsidised through Seda. Alumni can rent bench time and equipment at nominal fees.
Where is the incubator?
We are based at ORBIT TVET College, Fatima Bhayat Street, Rustenburg. Security gate entry rules apply.
Our Mentors
Meet Our Master Artisans and
Programme Team
Why TPI
Why Makers Choose
The Platinum Incubator
Equipment, metal access and business support that most small makers can't reach alone.
Programmes
Choose the Phase That
Fits Your Business
$ 6
Months
Pre-Incubation
-
Focus:
Feasibility -
Mentoring:
Yes -
Equipment:
Training -
Outcome
Business plan
$ 3
Years
$ ∞
Alumni
Post-Incubation
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Focus:
Growth -
Mentoring:
On request -
Equipment:
Nominal fee -
Outcome
Independent
News
Latest News & Trade Updates
From the Incubator
Ready to Grow Your Craft Into a Business?
Apply Now
