TerraFoundry Climate-Tech Accelerator – Cohort 2

Applications are now open for TerraFoundry Cohort 2, a six-month climate-tech accelerator designed to support high-potential startups developing innovative solutions for South Africa's green economy.

Delivered by French South African Tech Labs (FSAT Labs), the programme helps Western Cape-based startups strengthen their products, validate their markets, prepare for investment and access regional and international growth opportunities.

Through a combination of digital incubation, expert mentoring, investor engagement and market access support, TerraFoundry aims to accelerate climate-tech ventures that are ready to scale their impact and commercial potential.

Programme at a Glance

• Programme: TerraFoundry Climate-Tech Accelerator
• Delivered by: French South African Tech Labs (FSAT Labs)
• Programme Duration: 6 months
• Location: Western Cape, South Africa
• Cohort Size: 20 startups
• Top Finalists: 5–10 startups progress to the in-person acceleration phase

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered in two progressive phases.

Phase 1 – Digital Support & Incubation (3 Months)

Selected startups will participate in an intensive online incubation programme designed to strengthen business fundamentals and prepare ventures for investment.

Participants will receive support through:

• Expert-led masterclasses on business growth, fundraising and technology
• MVP refinement and product development support
• Market validation guidance
• Investment readiness coaching
• Pitch deck development
• Venture-building support

Phase 2 – Market Access & Investment (3 Months)

The highest-performing startups (5–10 ventures) will progress to an intensive in-person acceleration programme focused on scaling and investment.

Support includes:

• Live investor pitching during the TerraFoundry Demo Day
• Participation at the AfricArena Grand Summit
• Regional and international market access support
• Soft-landing opportunities into new markets
• Strategic investor introductions

Climate-Tech Focus Areas

TerraFoundry is looking for innovative startups developing solutions within:

• Clean Energy
• Sustainable Transport
• Water Technologies
• Climate-Smart Agriculture
• Waste Management
• Circular Economy
• Green Manufacturing
• Built Environment
• Carbon and Climate Solutions
• Environmental Technologies

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for early-stage climate-tech startups with validated solutions and strong growth potential.

Ideal applicants include founders developing technology-enabled businesses focused on sustainability, climate resilience and the green economy.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements.

Business Requirements

Your business must:

• Be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
• Be physically operating within the Western Cape, South Africa.
• Have a verifiable business address.
• Focus on climate mitigation or green economy solutions.
• Include a software, digital or technology component as part of the business model or solution.

Founder Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least one founder working full-time in the business during the programme.
• Commitment to participating throughout the six-month programme.

Business Readiness

Applicants should also demonstrate evidence of early traction, such as:

• Pilot projects
• Paying customers
• Revenue generation
• Grant funding
• Business-to-business (B2B) Letters of Intent (LOIs)

What Participants Will Receive

Successful startups will gain access to a comprehensive package of business development resources.

Technology Credits

Participants will receive:

• US$5,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Credits (valid for 12 months)
• US$1,500 in Zoho CRM and Business Suite Credits
• US$12,000 in Genspark AI Credits throughout the programme

Venture Building Support

Participants will benefit from:

• One-on-one coaching with climate-tech and investment experts
• Weekly masterclasses
• Dedicated FSAT Labs support
• Investor readiness coaching
• Product and business strategy support
• Regulatory and compliance guidance
• AI integration support
• Technical product development support

Market Access Opportunities

Participants will also receive:

• Opportunity to pitch at the TerraFoundry Demo Day
• Exposure to investors and ecosystem partners
• Participation at the AfricArena Grand Summit
• Access to FSAT Labs' Co-Innovation Space in Century City
• Regional and international market expansion support

Why This Opportunity Matters

South Africa's transition to a green economy depends on innovative businesses capable of addressing climate and sustainability challenges through technology.

TerraFoundry provides startups with more than just mentorship—it combines venture building, technical support, investment readiness and international ecosystem access into a structured programme that helps founders move from early validation to scalable commercial growth.

For climate-tech entrepreneurs in the Western Cape, this accelerator presents an opportunity to strengthen their business, access experienced mentors, engage with investors and position their solutions for regional and global expansion.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: Now Open
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
• Programme Starts: 10 September 2026
• Programme Duration: 6 months

Countries

Eligible Country

• South Africa

Eligible Province

Applicants must be based in:

• Western Cape

The programme is specifically designed for startups that are registered and operating within the Western Cape Province.

International Market Access

While eligibility is limited to Western Cape-based startups, successful participants will gain exposure to regional and international markets through TerraFoundry's strategic partnerships, including opportunities to engage with investors and innovation ecosystems beyond South Africa.

Click HERE to visit the official website