DSTI/EPF Tech Fund Venture Building Programme

The EPF Tech Fund has partnered with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) to launch an impactful Venture Building Programme aimed at empowering youth startups in the tech sector. This initiative is designed to support innovative entrepreneurs working in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and align them with the national goals for socioeconomic development.

The Venture Building Programme will provide 20 startups with access to mentorship, resources, and funding to develop and scale their tech solutions. Startups selected for this programme will tackle some of the most pressing issues faced by South Africa, helping to drive social economic impact through technology.

Requirements

• South African citizen
• Business Registration Certificate
• Founders' IDs
• Pitch Deck
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Documentation
• 4IR Technology Explanation
• Business Plan
  • Executive Summary and Vision (Clarity of Vision, Uniqueness and Innovation)
  • Market Analysis (Market Size and Potential, Competitive Landscape, Customer Segmentation)
  • Product or Service Offering (Product/Service Fit, Differentiation, Scalability)
  • Business Model (Revenue Streams, Pricing Strategy, Cost Structure)
  • Marketing and Sales Strategy (Customer Acquisition, Sales Pipeline, Brand Positioning)
  • Operations and Execution Plan (Feasibility, Milestones and KPIs, Risk Mitigation)
  • Management and Team (Team Qualifications, Roles and Responsibilities, Leadership)
  • Financial Projections (Revenue Forecasts, Profit Margins, Funding Requirements, Break-Even Analysis)
  • Scalability and Growth Potential (Expansion Opportunities, Resource Needs)
  • Sustainability and Social Impact (if applicable, impact and viability)

Selection Criteria

To qualify for the programme, startups must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 4IR-based
• Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Impact Alignment with social economic focus on:
  • Access and supply of clean water
  • Affordable food
  • Carbon emission reduction
  • Economic growth
  • Export growth and competitiveness
  • High living standard
  • High-quality healthcare services
  • Job creation
  • Low greenhouse gas emission
  • Poverty alleviation
  • Renewable energy growth
  • Skills development

Application process

The DSI/EPF Venture Program has a 5-step application process:

1. Register, add profile details and required documents
2. Applications that meet the minimum criteria will partake in assessments
3. Share a motivational video about your solution
4. Successful candidates will go through the final interview stage
5. Successful applicants will be invited into the programme

Click here to register and get an email to continue with the application.