The Department of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University has developed a novel solvent-based process for extracting cannabinoids directly from plant-wax waste streams generated during industrial processing. The method uses a simple but effective combination of two immiscible solvents, one...

Founded in 2025, Drusita Pty Ltd is a Black woman–owned South African plumbing company dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective plumbing solutions. With established branches in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, we proudly serve clients nationwide across residential, commercial, industrial, and government sectors.

Overview of your opportunity

D-Prize is an annual global competition dedicated to combating extreme poverty by catalyzing the launch of new social impact organizations. With a vision to make proven, high-impact poverty solutions universally accessible, D-Prize awards startup grants of up to $20,000 to bold entrepreneurs and teams who design, pilot, and scale solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent development needs.

Closing date

TR Civil and Consulting (Pty) Ltd is a 100% Black youth-owned company established in 2022 by two founders who serve as shareholders and are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, both full-time and part-time.

Our team brings extensive experience across multiple areas of the construction and engineering sectors, including:

  • Civil engineering and consulting
  • Road construction
  • Building and design
  • Mining services
  • Quantity surveying
  • Project and geological services

At TR Civil and Consulting (Pty) Ltd, we take pride in the quality of our services and our commitment to skills

The innovation describes a process for removing lead from a liquid such as contaminated water. The liquid is brought into contact with a PbrD protein which binds lead ions present in the liquid. The bound lead ions can then be recovered, for example as an insoluble salt or compound such as lead...

EcoTolibadi Recycling is an early-stage, community-driven recycling initiative based in Tembisa, founded by Sifiso Trevor Tolibadi. Our mission is to reduce landfill waste, clean up illegal dumping sites, and transform recyclable materials into valuable resources that benefit both the environment and the local economy.

Currently operating as a solo-led startup, EcoTolibadi is focused on groundwork and proof of concept. To date, I have collected and diverted various recyclable materials—including 15 kg of food cans and plastics from an illegal dumping site—and partnered with local retailers such

My business is project management and tender administration. 

Manzi Smart Solutions is a South African technology company developing innovative, community-driven water management solutions. Our flagship product, the Manzi App, combines IoT technology, data analytics, and citizen engagement to improve water distribution transparency, optimize municipal tanker deliveries, and support sustainable water use.

By integrating with smart meters, IoT water level sensors, and municipal systems, Manzi empowers residents, businesses, and authorities with real-time insights into water availability, usage, and delivery performance. The platform fosters accountability

SupaO² is a device developed and patented by WaterMed. The device is used to sterilise and purify water utilising Oxygenation and UV light without chemicals, giving plants cleaner water, good nutrients and oxygen with a controlled management system that’s simple to operate, easy to maintain, with low running costs.

Matsafu Capital is a Johannesburg-based investment firm launching a $3M seed fund to back cleantech startups across Southern Africa. With over $3.5B in sustainable infrastructure capital-raising experience, Matsafu Capital supports early-stage ventures in renewable energy, emissions reduction, waste management, and water conservation, bridging critical funding gaps and accelerating innovation for a more sustainable future.

Matsafu Capital is committed to transforming Southern Africa’s cleantech sector by identifying, funding, and scaling high-potential startups. The region presents a vast