The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa has partnered with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Innovation Agency to develop the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa programme. The Irish Tech Challenge is aimed at bridging the gap between South Africa’s and Ireland’s tech sectors as well as empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa. Each year, the initiative selects high-impact South African tech startups with strong growth potential to take through a tailored mentoring and acceleration program within Ireland’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Objectives of the Irish Tech Challenge Programme
The initiative will select 7 entrepreneurs that have their sights set on scaling their startups globally. The programme is also looking for diversity in terms of access and it encourages applications from women, young entrepreneurs, and startups. The selected entrepreneurs will not only receive financial aid but will also have access to Ireland’s tech expertise and networks.
Entrepreneurs selected to the programme will receive the following:
- Up to 10,000 Euro in funding (up to R200,000.00);
- A fully funded trip to Ireland to showcase their startups;
- Access to the funding ecosystem in Ireland to support opportunities for further growth; and
- Opportunity to work with Dogpatch Labs, a high growth accelerator that has turned several startups into big global brands.
Eligibility
To be eligible, entrepreneurs must fulfil the following:
- Be South African (and preferably must have passports so they can travel to Ireland if they make the final 7)
- The entrepreneurs must be developing technology solutions. Examples include solutions in:
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- Fintech
- Biotech
- Edtech
- Greentech
- Healthtech
- Mobilitytech
- WASH – technology solutions for water, sanitation and hygiene
- Circular economy – technology solutions to improve the use of materials in terms of reuse, recycle, waste reduction and product re-design
The application form is one of the most straightforward we have seen. Entrepreneurs that already have a pitch deck will complete the 1-page application form in under 20 minutes. Biographical questions include company registration number, location, number of employees, and previous funding. Then there are two simple questions that deal with motivation, specifically company overview and the interest in the Irish Tech Challenge.
Closing Date
The closing date for submission is 05 May 2024. Click here to complete the application form.
Previous participants of the Irish Tech Challenge
In November 2023, the winners of the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2023 were announced:
- Thato Schermer of Zoie Health, building a healthtech that provides access to affordable, convenient and caring healthcare for woman.
- Neo Hutiri of Pelebox, developing a Healthtech that delivers chronic medication efficiently through smart lockers.
- Vuyo Pakade of Foonda Africa, developing and HRTech that equips and connects young African talent to global job opportunities.
- Benedicta Durcan from AfroBodies, developing the Biotech that produces custom antibodies that detect previously ‘hard to find’ substances, including diseases, pesticides, etc.
- Tumelo Chiloane from Desert Green Africa, an Agritech that is developing the technology to enable the efficient supply of fresh produce from small-scale farmers to informal Traders.
Further Information
One of our objectives is to empower small businesses and startups by curating funding opportunities that we come across. Refer to our main page and follow the funding link for other opportunities.
While formal company registration is not always a prerequisite for accessing funding, it is crucial for formalised entities to maintain compliance. Lack of proper governance will completely hinder any prospects of funding. For guides and articles on governance, visit to our main page and follow the governance link from there.
