G20 Tech Challenge

Announcing the
SA Tech
Challenge 2025!
R3 million. 6 Winners.
A G20 Presidency Initiative.
>> APPLY NOW

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.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Win R1 million in funding, tap into a world of government support and unlock global market access at the G20 Summit in Cape Town!

With a R3 million prize pool and a chance to represent South Africa at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA) Summit in Cape Town, The SA Tech Challenge 2025 is South Africa’s most lucrative tech innovation competition ever. The winner of each category will pitch their solutions against each other for the grand prize of R1 million. The runner up receives a whopping R750,000 with a healthy R500,000 prize for 3rd place. 4th, 5th and 6th all receive R250,000 each. Beyond the funding, winners will also receive support packages from stakeholders as well as access to global markets and investors via G20-DIA.

View the Application Guidelines

Am I Eligible?

We are looking for formal Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) technology enterprises from South Africa who meet the following criteria:

  • Enterprise Stage – Must be post-revenue with less than 250 employees and less than R250 million annual turnover.
  • 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.
  • Impact – Must address at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with potential for regional/global growth with quantifiable social outcomes.
  • Ownership – Companies should be owned and headquartered in South Africa and meet all compliance requirements as per CIPC and SARS.
  • 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)

Applications open on 20 May, 2025 and close on 30 June, 2025. A rigorous evaluation will run throughout July 2025 and deliver six category winners who will then compete for the R1 million top prize.

Apply here

SA Tech Challenge FAQs

Here are some questions we know you may have about the SA Tech Challenge.

What is 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.

Who is eligible to apply for the SA Tech Challenge?

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
  • 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.

How do I apply for the SA Tech Challenge?

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.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 30 June 2025 at 23h59. Stay informed on any updates on the website

What happens after I submit my application?

After submission, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and your application will be reviewed by our team. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews or presentations. Successful applicants will then be selected to participate in the G20 Competition.

How will my application be assessed?

The main assessment criteria for your application will be:

  1. Innovation (30%): The originality and uniqueness of the digital solution
  2. Impact (20%): The potential social, economic, or environmental impact
  3. Scalability (20%): The potential for regional/global growth
  4. Feasibility (10%): The practicality of implementing the solution and the team's capability
  5. Team (10%): The expertise and experience of the team
  6. Presentation (10%): Clarity, engagement, and professionalism of the pitch delivery
What kind of support do enterprises receive in the SA Tech Challenge?

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.

Is there a cost to participate in the SA Tech Challenge?

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.

How long is the SA Tech Challenge program?

The formal programme will end in September 2025. However, the non-financial support will be ongoing.

Can international MSMEs apply?

Currently, the SA Tech Challenge primarily targets MSMEs based and registered in South Africa. Owned by South African nationals.

Where can I find more information about the SA Tech Challenge?

You can find out more on www.satechchallenge.co.za. For enquiries you can email info@satechchallenge.co.za

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