Agriculture

The National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) 2026 is a national programme led by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in partnership with NGIN, regional hubs and Start‑Up Culture to accelerate South Africa’s transition to a low‑carbon, climate‑resilient and inclusive economy.

The INCiTiS‑FOOD project (Integrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable City‑Region Food Systems in Africa) has launched Open Call 2 for Independent Innovators (IIs) to support start‑ups and SMEs working on sustainable urban and peri‑urban food production.

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), launches the Agro-processing Blended Finance Programme a transformative funding initiative designed to empower Black-owned agro-processing enterprises in Gauteng to scale operations, increase value-addition, access markets and create sustainable employment. This programme represents a strategic commitment to drive inclusive economic participation, food security and transformation within Gauteng's agricultural value chains.

The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, inviting innovators worldwide to submit transformative, science-driven solutions that can reshape the global food system. Hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Challenge is one of the world’s leading platforms supporting breakthrough ideas that advance food security, sustainability, and equitable access to nutritious food.