day 1:
Kick off the conference with inspiration and excitement
Join fellow attendees in celebrating the start of the conference with an inspiring speech highlighting the conference’s vision and agenda. Discover what’s in store over the next two days and network with like-minded individuals to set the stage for meaningful connections.
Speakers / Judges
Tailored Strategies for Local Changemakers
Local changemakers are the backbone of community development and inclusive innovation, but supporting innovators in grassroots environments requires a unique approach. This masterclass, sponsored by TIA, will explore the complexities of fostering innovation in local spaces, where conventional strategies may not apply.
Participants will learn how to develop and implement tailored frameworks that address the specific dynamics of these communities. The session will cover the importance of gaining buy-in from local leaders, such as traditional chiefs and authorities, and the need to consider local skill gaps and cultural nuances. Experts will share practical programmes and strategies that have successfully empowered local changemakers, driving sustainable development and creating inclusive innovation ecosystems.
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Disrupting Finance
This panel will explore the groundbreaking advancements in fintech that are transforming Africa’s financial landscape and empowering a new generation of startups. By innovating how data is handled, fintech is unlocking new opportunities and business models, driving financial inclusion, and reshaping the future of financial services across the continent. The session will delve into key areas such as data handling, cybersecurity, and payment systems, showcasing how these technologies are meeting evolving consumer needs and creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem.Â
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The CHxZA Cleantech Innovation Challenge (CIC) brings together the top 5 South African and top 5 Swiss startups to compete in an electrifying pitch competition. This thrilling competition promises to showcase the best of both countries’ entrepreneurial talent, fostering international collaboration and driving transformative change within the industry.
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Dive into how a leading city, such as Cape Town, is utilising next-gen technologies and data-driven solutions to spearhead its digital transformation. This session will spotlight innovative projects and improved governmental-business communications that are setting the standard for cities worldwide.
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Learning From Success Stories
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is emerging as a powerful tool for driving growth in Africa’s dynamic and rapidly evolving markets. This masterclass will explore how African startups and corporates can harness CVC to fuel innovation, scale, and cross-border expansion. Drawing on real-world success stories, participants will gain insights into how corporates are utilizing venture capital to create win-win partnerships that drive both financial returns and strategic growth.
Through the lens of these success stories, this session will examine key aspects of CVC in Africa, including identifying the right investment opportunities, aligning corporate strategy with entrepreneurial innovation, and fostering long-term partnerships between startups and corporates. Attendees will learn how CVC can be a strategic growth lever for African companies looking to break into new markets and scale their impact.
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As the global investment landscape undergoes rapid changes, limited partners (LPs) are adapting their mandates to stay ahead. This panel will explore the evolving dynamics that are influencing LP decisions in today’s market. Key questions include: How are sectoral and geographical focuses shifting? What impact do specialist funds have on attracting LP interest? And crucially, how can African fund managers maintain and grow their relationships with international investors, particularly in a climate where many are pulling back from the continent?
Our expert panel, comprising seasoned fund managers and LP representatives, will provide strategic insights into navigating these challenges. The discussion will cover the latest trends in LP mandates, strategies for aligning with LP priorities, and practical advice on how African fund managers can retain and attract international capital in this shifting environment.
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Protecting Innovations and Data
Understand the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding advanced technologies and data. We are seeing rapid advancements in technology. The importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Safeguarding innovations and the valuable data they generate has become increasingly complex. The convergence of diverse technologies, evolving threat landscapes, and a rapidly growing digital ecosystem within Africa, necessitates a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
- The Evolving Threat Landscape
- Protection of IP
- Data Security in a connected worls
- Building a culture of cyber security
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Connecting SA SMMEs with European Opportunities
Discover how to tap into European funding and market opportunities through Eureka. This session provides the roadmap to secure financial resources and access lucrative markets, propelling your startup to new heights
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Who Should Be Investing in Early-Stage Companies?
This Masterclass will provide an in-depth exploration of early-stage investment, focusing on its pivotal role in fuelling the growth of startups within Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will be introduced to the different types of early-stage investors, including angel investors, venture capitalists (VCs), corporate investors, impact investors, family offices, and government/development funds.Â
The session will go beyond definitions, offering practical strategies for startups on how to approach and engage with these investors. Participants will learn about the unique contributions each type of investor can bring, how to align with the right investors based on their startup’s stage and sector, and the long-term impact of securing “smart money.”Â
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The global narratives around climate, Africa, and recently, VC, have been similar- negative, despairing, and one-sided. As Southern Africa’s leading climate tech investor with global experience and local knowledge, Holocene Ventures is focused on revealing- and helping to build- a different story for the sector, continent, and investment potential. Learn about what others in the global north don’t know- and can’t see- regarding the potential of climate tech in Africa, as well as an honest assement and way forward on current challenges.
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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Environmental Resilience
The global adoption of generative AI presents a massive opportunity to combine climate positivity with scalable, software-led business models. Across Africa AI has the potential to transform industries by turning data into money and carbon saving insights. Sectors such as energy efficiency, grid optimisation, demand management, virtual power plant and precision agriculture all stand to benefit from AI. This panel will discuss the opportunities to bring together transformative technologies with locally sourced solutions implemented by African entrepreneurs.
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This session will host the Top 10 SA Finalists to present their cutting-edge solutions in Agri-tech, Digital Tech, and Clean-tech. This exciting competition, organized by ANZA Capital and the Institute for the Future of Work at Tshwane University of Technology, will offer participants the chance to compete for up to R5 million in venture funding.
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This panel, hosted by AIFE – the African Institute for Entrepreneurship, will explore the practical applications of Generative AI, focusing on its potential to empower non-tech entrepreneurs and youth in Africa. AIfE is a leading non-profit research organisation specialising in entrepreneurship opportunities within emerging tech ecosystems. They conduct research on various new technologies to identify entrepreneurship opportunities. Their Generative AI research will bring real-world case studies of effective utilisation of AI in various sectors and how it can be leveraged for innovation, growth and ultimately Investment.
It will be an exciting panel of entrepreneurs and academics, looking at what GenAI can do for entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
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Africa presents immense investment opportunities, yet these are often accompanied by unique challenges that require strategic de-risking approaches. This panel will explore practical solutions for minimizing risk while maximizing returns in the African investment landscape. Key topics include accelerating exit strategies, fostering robust ecosystems that support long-term growth, and leveraging intermediaries like venture capital firms to bridge investment between Africa and other regions, particularly the United States.
Our expert panelists, consisting of experienced investors, fund managers, and ecosystem builders, will share insights into the most effective strategies for de-risking investments on the continent. The discussion will cover the creation of cross-continental investment bridges, the role of VCs in de-risking and scaling ventures, and the key levers for ensuring successful exits in African markets.
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This masterclass brings together two seasoned experts to explore the critical role of innovation hubs in township economies and the challenges of digital adoption in the small business sector. Darryl Dennis, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Innovation Hub, and Christoff Oosthuysen, Founding CEO of the Entrepreneurial Planning Institute, will share their insights and strategies for driving economic growth and technological advancement in underserved communities.
Speaker 1: Darryl Dennis will discuss the importance of township incubation hubs as catalysts for innovation and economic development. Drawing on his experience in establishing and expanding incubation centers in township economies, he will provide practical strategies for attracting and supporting startups, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships with government agencies, academia, and funding institutions.
Speaker 2: Christoff Oosthuysen will address the slow rates of digital adoption in the small business sector and offer actionable solutions to overcome this challenge. With his extensive experience in entrepreneurial planning and digital transformation, Christoff will share insights into creating a conducive ecosystem for small businesses to thrive, including strategies for increasing digital literacy, enhancing access to technology, and designing effective support programs.
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The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is a cornerstone of South Africa’s financial ecosystem and has become a key player in accelerating the growth of startups toward Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). This keynote will delve into the JSE’s role in transforming the landscape for emerging companies, providing startups with the tools, resources, and support they need to scale and list on the exchange.
Participants will gain deep insights into the entire IPO process, from preparing a startup for listing to meeting the JSE’s criteria for potential listings. The session will also explore how the JSE’s strategic initiatives are designed to foster startup growth, enhance visibility, and attract significant investor interest. Additionally, the discussion will unpack the broader concept of acceleration, holistically covering the different dimensions of preparing a startup for IPO beyond financial readiness, including team development, governance, and strategic growth milestones.
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Catherine Wijnberg, Founder and CEO of Fetola, will lead this insightful keynote on empowering climate-tech innovators to create a greener, more sustainable future. With climate change posing critical challenges and opportunities for innovation, this session will explore how Africa’s SMEs can lead the way in developing solutions that benefit both the environment and society.
The keynote will delve into practical strategies for fostering innovation in the climate-tech sector, focusing on how startups and SMEs can access key resources such as investment, market opportunities, and networks. Catherine will discuss the importance of building a pipeline of climate-friendly businesses and empowering them to scale through partnerships, mentorship, and access to green finance.
Drawing on her vast experience in sustainable development, Catherine will highlight several successful case studies, showcasing how these climate-tech innovations have made a measurable impact. Hloolo, Fetola’s pioneering platform, will also be mentioned as an example of how ecosystems can be built to support SMEs in the green economy.
The session will provide attendees with actionable insights on how to engage with and support climate-tech entrepreneurs and innovators, fostering a resilient economic landscape while addressing global environmental challenges.
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day 2
Creating Synergies within the Tech Ecosystem among government, corporations, SMMEs and academia to solve complex problems
In this panel the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) brings leading experts in the DeepTech space ecosystem together to explore how DeepTech is being harnessed through collaborations to achieve groundbreaking solutions to complex challenges facing various industries. The speakers will share their experiences and lessons on barriers to collaborations, some of the enabling factors and success measures to a successful collaboration in the DeepTech space.
Speakers
Maternal healthcare remains a critical challenge, especially in developing regions, but innovations in HealthTech are transforming the way care is delivered to mothers and infants. This masterclass will explore how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping maternal healthcare by improving access, quality of care, and health outcomes for women around the world.
The session will highlight breakthrough maternal HealthTech innovations—from AI-powered diagnostics and telehealth platforms to mobile health applications and wearable technology. Participants will gain insights into how these technologies are addressing gaps in maternal care, enabling remote monitoring, early detection of complications, and personalized care for expectant mothers.
The discussion will also delve into real-world examples of successful maternal HealthTech solutions and explore how health providers, entrepreneurs, and innovators can collaborate to scale these technologies and make a global impact.
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In this Masterclass, Injini’s Venture Scale Lead, Gigi, and MEL Head, Alexei, will guide founders and entrepreneurs through the critical journey from gathering impactful evidence to securing strategic deals that drive growth in the EdTech sector.
Part 1: Alexei will explain why evidence is essential for making informed decisions, showcasing the value of an EdTech solution, and attracting strategic partners. This segment will provide insights into building credibility through data and demonstrating impact to key stakeholders.
Part 2: Gigi will offer practical steps on how to leverage this evidence in deal-making. From identifying the right partners to navigating the complexities of securing and executing successful deals, participants will learn how to approach traditional funding, philanthropic grants, and partnerships. This session will equip EdTech entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to scale their impact and achieve sustainable growth
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Discover how cities are integrating cutting-edge technologies and data innovations to improve urban governance. Using Cape Town as a case study, this keynote will discuss the city’s roadmap for becoming a smart city and its implications for future urban development.
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The TechTribe Accelerator proudly presents a showcasing event highlighting the innovation of our latest Investment Readiness Programme cohorts. This session will feature seven groundbreaking startups that have excelled in our programme, showing great potential in the Blockchain and SpaceTech industry.
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Scaling Strategies for Growing Startups
Scaling a startup is a critical and challenging phase in the entrepreneurial journey, and investors play a pivotal role in guiding this transformation. In this session, experienced investors will share their insights into the journey from startup to scale-up, providing a deep dive into the strategies they use to support and accelerate growth. Participants will learn how investors assess the scalability of startups, the key milestones they look for, and the resources they provide to help startups navigate the complexities of scaling. The session will also cover common challenges startups face during this phase and how investors collaborate with founders to overcome them, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success.
Speakers
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Energy Infrastructure
The continent is blessed with more than 50% of global renewable energy potential – so Africa’s energy system is bound to look different. It will be clean, efficient and decentralised. Leapfrogging legacy centralised grid systems, tapping our continent’s abundance of natural energy, skipping past arduous retrofits, and providing first-time electricity access to over 600 million Africans presents a massive opportunity to private sector innovation and public sector collaboration.
Speakers
Building High-Performing Tech Teams to Accelerate Innovation in Africa
In the rapidly evolving tech landscape of Africa, the debate between generalist and specialist teams is crucial for understanding how best to drive innovation and digital transformation. This session will explore the strengths and challenges of both generalist and specialist tech teams, offering insights into how diverse skill sets contribute to building high-performing teams that can accelerate Africa’s technological growth.
The speaker will discuss how to strategically structure teams to maximize innovation and adaptability, whether through the breadth of knowledge that generalists bring or the deep expertise that specialists provide. The session will also delve into the unique needs of African tech ecosystems and how the right team composition can foster cross-border collaboration, attract investment, and drive the continent’s digital edge.
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In this concise yet powerful lightning talk, we will dive into the key strategies and initiatives that are empowering female entrepreneurs to drive innovation and economic growth. While female entrepreneurs play a critical role in the business world, they often face unique barriers to accessing resources, funding, and networks. This session will offer actionable insights and practical advice to help them overcome these challenges and unlock their full potential.
The speaker will highlight the importance of tailored funding solutions, the role of mentorship in building strong support networks, and the creation of inclusive environments that foster female-led innovation. The session will also provide a snapshot of the current landscape and opportunities available to female entrepreneurs today.
Speakers
Pioneering the Future of Digital Innovation Â
This panel will explore how AI is driving a revolution in Africa, transforming business operations, enhancing customer experiences, and unlocking new growth opportunities. Topics will include AI-driven solutions, digital growth tactics, and the integration of emerging technologies, highlighting how AI is being harnessed to create competitive advantages and fuel innovation across the continent.
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The session will explore how African corporations, particularly in South Africa, can harness corporate venture capital (CVC) to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal impact. Discussions will focus on how CVC can be a transformative tool for corporations looking to disrupt themselves and invest in the continent’s future.
Speakers
Empowering People with Disabilities in the Innovation Ecosystem
How can we ensure that the innovation ecosystem is inclusive and accessible to people living with disabilities? Sponsored by TIA, this panel will explore how to create a robust and inclusive environment that empowers all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to contribute to and benefit from innovation.
The discussion will center around strategies for integrating accessibility into digital innovations, harnessing the potential of next-generation technologies to break down barriers, and fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives. Experts will share insights on best practices for ensuring that technological advancements serve everyone, particularly those with disabilities, driving sustainable growth across the innovation ecosystem.
Speakers
From Vulnerability to Strength
Learn about the unique challenges women face with respect to climate change and the technologies and investments happening in climate tech to transform these vulnerabilities into strengths. Hear the perspectives of women founders and investors and how they’re leveraging innovation to address the outsized impact climate change has on the continent’s female population.
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This panel will explore how digital tools and technologies can enhance human performance, productivity, and well-being, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in the digital age. Topics will include the intersection of digital innovation with human factors, the role of technology in supporting personal and professional growth, and strategies for leveraging digital tools while maintaining meaningful connections.
Speakers
In today’s fast-evolving global economy, innovation is essential for driving sustainable growth. This masterclass, hosted by the City of Cape Town, will explore the latest innovation tools and techniques that enable businesses, organizations, and governments to achieve long-term, sustainable success. Participants will learn how to effectively apply innovation strategies that not only foster growth but also create resilient business models that adapt to shifting market demands and environmental challenges.
The session will cover a range of practical innovation tools such as design thinking, lean startup methodologies, and data-driven decision-making processes. Attendees will discover how to embed these techniques into their organizations to promote continuous innovation and sustainable growth. The City of Cape Town will also share real-life examples of how these tools have been successfully applied to foster local economic development and sustainable urban innovation.
