2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards – Nominations.

The 2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards are now open for nominations, celebrating innovations that strengthen the Western Cape economy and create jobs across the private sector, academia, non-profits and the public sector. Hosted by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this red-carpet event will take place on 1 June 2026 at Cape Town City Hall, where winners will receive prizes, high-profile media exposure and recognition from influential leaders, including a handshake and photo with the Premier of the Western Cape and the Mayor of Cape Town. The awards seek not just clever ideas, but proven innovations that already benefit multiple businesses in the province and make a meaningful difference beyond the innovator’s own organisation.​

Innovations may involve new products, technologies, processes, services or business models, including ideas adapted from other sectors or countries and successfully localised for the Western Cape context. Nominated innovations should demonstrate sustainable success, clear impact on investment, growth and jobs, broad business reach, and evident novelty or “newness”. The adjudication panel relies on the information provided in the nomination form and supporting documentation to verify claims, with shortlisted nominees potentially being asked for more detailed evidence.​

Eligible countries

This is a provincial award focused on the Western Cape:

• Eligible country: South Africa
• Geographic focus: Innovations that benefit the Western Cape economy and its businesses.​

Host / organiser:
Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cape Chamber).​

Event date and venue:

• Awards event: 1 June 2026
• Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Western Cape, South Africa.​

Nomination deadline:

• Submit nominations by 28 February 2026.​

What the awards offer

Winning and shortlisted innovators can expect:​

• Prizes (as determined by the Cape Chamber).
• High media exposure and storytelling around their innovation.
• Recognition from top provincial leaders, including a handshake and photograph with the Premier of the Western Cape and the Mayor of Cape Town.
• Broad-based recognition by influential business and public-sector leaders, boosting awareness and interest in the innovation, and opening doors to partnerships and opportunities.​

What type of innovation is sought

The awards look for implemented innovations that already benefit multiple businesses and contribute to a stronger provincial economy.​

Key characteristics include:​

• Proven beneficial impact on the Western Cape economy
  • Contribution to investment, economic growth and job creation.
• Breadth of impact
  • Number of businesses and employees benefitting as a result of the innovation.
• Novelty / newness
  • Either a first-in-the-world idea, or an existing idea from elsewhere that has been adapted effectively to the Western Cape context.
  • Innovation can come from transferring and localising good ideas across industries or geographies.

The awards are open across private, academic, non-profit and public sector innovators whose work has a measurable, positive effect beyond their own entity.​

Examples of 2025 winners and past innovations are available on the Cape Chamber website for inspiration.​

Nomination process

There are three main steps to submit a nomination:​

1. Read the instructions and nomination form
   • Download and carefully review the 2026 WC Economy Innovation Awards Nomination Form via the provided link on the Cape Chamber website.​
2. Prepare supporting material
   • Submit an explanatory document (~3 pages) and/or a brief video that truthfully answers all questions outlined in the nomination form, clearly explaining:
     • What the innovation is
     • Its economic and jobs impact
     • How many businesses and employees benefit
     • What makes it novel or new
     • Evidence of success and peer recognition.​
3. Submit your nomination
   • Email your completed nomination form and supporting document/video to:
     • innovation@capechamber.co.za
   • Deadline: 28 February 2026.​

Shortlisted nominees may be asked to submit additional evidence to substantiate their claims before final adjudication.​

Click HERE to visit the official website.