G20 Tech Challenge
Challenge 2025.
Explore The Challenge Categories
DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Scalable platform solutions connecting user groups, addressing market inefficiencies, and creating new digital ecosystems, especially for underserved markets.
FINTECH
Innovative digital solutions for improved financial management, access, and inclusion, particularly for underserved populations, demonstrating regulatory compliance, security,and scalability.
SECURED DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Solutions strengthening cybersecurity, data protection, and system resilience, addressing critical security challenges and enhancing digital trust, especially for MSMEs with limited security resources.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Solutions to reuse and regenerate materials or products that demonstrate clear business value while addressing environmental challenges of linear consumption.
INNOVATIONS FOR CONNECTIVITY
Digital solutions that bridge the digital divide and enhance network infrastructure, including technologies that improve internet access, strengthen telecommunications, or enable affordable use of smart devices and IoT.
INNOVATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
Digital solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and education that improve productivity, access, and delivery while creating social impact and business value.
SA Tech Challenge 2025: Showcasing South Africa’s Leading Tech Innovators
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), led by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, together with the CIPC Commissioner and the CSIR Chief Executive Officer, proudly presents the six category Winners of the SA Tech Challenge 2025, delivered through the Innovation Bridge Portal and national innovation partners. These exceptional Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have demonstrated outstanding ingenuity and a clear commitment to addressing South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges through science, technology, and innovation. The Winners were officially recognised during a Ministerial Plenary Award Ceremony at Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) in Pretoria on 25 November 2025. With the successful distribution of the R3 million prize pool, the initiative reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to strengthening an innovation-led, globally competitive economy.
SA Tech Challenge FAQs
Here are some questions we know you may have about the SA Tech Challenge.
The SA Tech Challenge is the most lucrative and exciting tech opportunity in South Africa to date. It is a collaboration between The Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), The Innovation Bridge Portal (supported by the CSIR), The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. The challenge aims to integrate the various government departments to support scale up businesses in the tech sector.
All category winners and top four finalists will be hosted at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20–DIA) summit which will be held in Cape Town where the winners from all the G20 countries and the guest countries will showcase their solutions to the global community of investors, mentors, corporates, and other government stakeholders.
All micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have been operational for at least 1 year and who adhere to the following:
- Post-Revenue Business Stage (At least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7)
- Less than 250 employees
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Operate in any of the following 6 categories:
- Digital Platforms
- FinTech
- Secured Digital Infrastructure
- Circular Economy
- Innovation for Connectivity
- Innovation for Development (Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech)
Eligible enterprises must be CIPC registered, tax compliant and have audited financial statements from the last 2 years.
Only South African owned and headquartered MSMEs are eligible for this challenge.
One business can only apply under one category. Businesses are encouraged to choose the category that aligns with their best solution/innovation.
You can apply through our official website. www.satechchallenge.co.za. The application requires you to make submissions and answer an application for. You can look at the pre-application guidelines here to prepare for your application.
The application deadline is 30 June 2025 at 23h59. Stay informed on any updates on the website
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email and your application will be reviewed by our team of experts. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews or presentations. Successful applicants will then be selected to selected to participate in the G20 competition. All applicants are encouraged to protect their intellectual property( IP) prior to the submission. Successful applicants will be expected to fully protect their (IP) prior to the competition where required the CIPC will provide the necessary support.
The main assessment criteria for your application will be:
- Innovation (30%): The originality and uniqueness of the digital solution
- Impact (20%): The potential social, economic, or environmental impact
- Scalability (20%): The potential for regional/global growth
- Feasibility (10%): The practicality of implementing the solution and the team's capability
- Team (10%): The expertise and experience of the team
- Presentation (10%): Clarity, engagement, and professionalism of the pitch delivery
A rigorous evaluation will run throughout July 2025 and deliver six category winners who will also compete for the R1 million top prize. Prize allocations are as follows:
1st - R1 million
2nd - R750,000
3rd - R500,000
4th, 5th and 6th - R250,000 each.
The top five finalists per category will also be invited to the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit in Cape Town from 24 to 26 September 2025.
The winners will also receive non-financial support from different government agencies to support their post-competition business development.
No cost to participate. You will need an internet connection to be able to apply as applications are only online through the SA Tech Challenge website.
The formal programme will end in September 2025. However, the non-financial support will be ongoing.
Currently, the SA Tech Challenge primarily targets MSMEs based and registered in South Africa. Owned by South African nationals.
You can find out more on www.satechchallenge.co.za. For enquiries you can email info@satechchallenge.co.za
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