start-ups

About the Challenge:

The Innovating for Tomorrow Challenge, organized by ANZA Capital and the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) at Tshwane University of Technology, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing today’s most critical challenges in Agri-tech, Digital Tech, and Clean-tech. We believe that by fostering innovation and collaboration, we can create sustainable solutions that positively impact our world.

Why Participate:

• Transformative Solutions: Contribute innovative ideas that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
• Expert Guidance: Gain insights and mentorship from industry experts and academics to refine your solutions.
• Funding Opportunities: Secure funding of up to R5M from ANZA Capital and other potential investors to bring your ideas to market.
• Networking: Connect with a diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to expand your network and collaboration opportunities.
• Recognition: Showcase your solutions to a broad audience, including potential investors, at high-profile events like the SA Innovation Summit.
• Personal and Project Growth: Benefit from a structured program that supports your personal and project growth, refining your pitches and business models for the venture stage.

Challenge Criteria:

• Growth and Potential: We are seeking promising startups that demonstrate substantial growth potential. Post-revenue startups should exhibit a target growth rate of 20-30% per month. For pre-revenue startups, a strong foundation in deep tech or a protectable and demonstratable intellectual property portfolio is essential.
• Local Roots: Eligible startups must be based in South Africa and predominantly owned by South African citizens. This criterion underscores our commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the South African innovation ecosystem.
• Alignment with Themes: Submissions must align with one of the challenge’s key themes: Agri-tech,
• Digital Tech, or Clean-Tech, and address a clear market need or societal challenge.
• Impact Matrix: The start-ups must create demonstrable and measurable solutions that contribute
• positively to society and the environment, aligning with global sustainable development goals.

Challenge Timeline:

• Registration Opens: 2 April 2024
• Proposal Submission Deadline: 31 May 2024
• Pitch battle at SAIS’24 (Cape Town): 16-20 September 2024
• Award Ceremony at 3rd Annual iFOW Dialogue (Pretoria): October 2024

Join Us in Shaping the Future: Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative journey. Register now and showcase your innovative ideas at the Innovating for Tomorrow Challenge.

About Challenge:

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is a flagship initiative designed to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are driving positive change in their communities. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing challenges, fostering innovation, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs:

Open to African entrepreneurs of all ages, from all sectors, and across all 54 African countries, the ABH competition awards a pool of $1.5 million in grant money to ten finalists who are working to solve critical issues in their local communities. The competition is geared toward entrepreneurs who are in the post-idea stage and have a 3-year track record.  

The ten finalists will also have the opportunity to pitch to global business icons in a competition show that will be broadcast online and across the continent, later this year. In addition, ABH finalists benefit from global media exposure, access to training, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.  

Closing date: 19 May 2024