Call for Applications: SA Tech Challenge

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's (DSTI) Innovation Bridge Portal is calling all South African tech innovators to apply for the SA Tech Challenge 2025 and stand a chance to win R1 million in funding, gain global exposure at the G20 Summit in Cape Town and unlock unprecedented growth opportunities.  

The SA Tech Challenge aims to identify and elevate the most impactful and scalable small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) across South Africa's innovation ecosystem.  It seeks to showcase local talent on the global stage, support innovation, and strengthen South Africa's representation in the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) and Startup20 working groups.

Eligibility:

1. Enterprise Stage – Must be post-revenue with less than 250 employees and less than R250 million annual turnover.
2. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) – Your technology or solution should be at a minimum of TRL 7 as per The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) guidelines. It should be post-prototype, with demonstrated use by clients and implemented in relevant environments.
3. Impact – Must address at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with potential for regional/global growth with quantifiable social outcomes.
4. Ownership – Companies should be owned and headquartered in South Africa and meet all compliance requirements as per CIPC and SARS.
5. Sector Categories - Operate in, or serve any of the following 6 sector categories:
   • Digital Platforms
   • FinTech
   • Secured Digital Infrastructure
   • Circular Economy
   • Innovations for Connectivity
   • Innovations for Development (Agri-tech, Health-tech, Ed-tech)

Click here to apply