ScaleUp helps founder-led businesses grow from small/medium to large enterprises, with clarity and focus. We take companies from founder vision to repeatable growth by building the strategy, structure and rhythm needed to scale.

We use the Scaling Up® methodology (Verne Harnish), facilitated by an experienced entrepreneur who acts as an objective voice in the room, asking the tough questions & offering guidance that drive growth beyond start-up.

We work with ambitious founders who want to get the joy back from running their company by having the ability to step back while their team stays

Overview of your opportunity

The Africa International Conference on Clean Energy & Energy Storage (AICCEES) 2026) has opened applications for its Clean Energy Innovation Challenge, inviting African innovators to showcase solutions that advance clean energy access, climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.

The Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support high-potential startups, SMEs, researchers and university spin-offs through a structured programme that combines technical assessment, mentorship, investor exposure and live pitching opportunities during AICCEES 2026.

Closing date
Overview of your opportunity

Applications are now open for the Digital Energy Challenge 2026, an international innovation programme supporting SMEs developing digital and AI-enabled solutions that improve energy access, accelerate the energy transition, and enhance the operational efficiency of energy utilities across Africa.

The initiative is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and partners and aims to help innovative companies scale proven digital technologies that address some of Africa's most pressing energy challenges.

Closing date

Blouberg Municipality Sustainable Agriculture NPC (BMSA NPC) is a South African non-profit organisation focused on clean energy systems development, industrial decarbonisation, and applied electrochemical innovation within the SADC region.


The organisation operates through the Dynamic Electrochemical Systems Architecture (DESA) programme, which provides a structured framework for analysing, modelling, and supporting the integration of electrochemical technologies with renewable and hybrid energy systems in industrial environments.


The DESA programme addresses a critical challenge facing energy

1. Executive Summary

Oreconnect Projects is an SMME based in Postmasburg, Northern Cape, specializing in the deployment of Mobile Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We bridge the gap between fixed energy infrastructure and the immediate, high-capacity power needs of the mining, industrial, and...

1. Executive Summary

Oreconnect Projects is an SMME based in Postmasburg, Northern Cape, specializing in the deployment of mobile Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We bridge the gap between fixed energy infrastructure and the immediate, high-capacity power needs of the mining, industrial, and defense sectors. Our "Power-as-a-Service" model facilitates rapid industrial decarbonization and energy security without the need for permanent, high-cost infrastructure.

2. Value Proposition & Innovation

  • Mobile BESS Units: Unlike traditional stationary storage, our units (ranging from 500kWh to 2MW)
Overview of your opportunity

The FSAT Labs TerraFoundry Programme is a 3-year climate-tech accelerator designed to support Western Cape-based green businesses ready to Rise, Raise and Scale.

The programme will support 120 climate-tech startups over three years, with 40 businesses selected for the 2026 cohort. TerraFoundry aims to accelerate innovative climate solutions through structured incubation, investor readiness, and market access support.

The programme focuses on scalable climate-tech solutions that address environmental challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Closing date

Association of Professional Artisans of South Africa, APASA, is a professional artisan body that can serve as a practical ecosystem partner to the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation by linking artisanal capability to South Africa’s National System of Innovation. Its contribution lies in professionalizing artisans, supporting grassroots innovation, strengthening local innovation ecosystems, improving the readiness of artisan-owned enterprises, and expanding participation in innovation among rural, township, youth, women, and disabled practitioners. In this way, APASA helps

The technology uses a clear polymer film embedded with luminescent compounds that absorb high-energy UV light and re-emit it as blue light, which solar cells can convert more efficiently into electricity. This film works with all types of solar panels and can be applied to existing installations...

South Africa’s Western Cape is emerging as a prime testing ground for high-impact, commercially viable green energy and circular economy solutions. With a strong agricultural export base, growing manufacturing sector, world-class wind and solar resources, and acute pressure from load-shedding and...