The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is a programme that aims to support local tech entrepreneurs who are working on solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme is a collaboration between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Impact Amplifier.
What is the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa?
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is an initiative that was launched in 2023 to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between Irish technology expertise and South African tech startups. The programme leverages Ireland’s position as a global high-tech hub, offering access to European and international markets, as well as mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.
The programme is open to all sectors, but encourages applications from startups that are working on challenges related to clean and green tech, circular economies, med/health/bio-tech, ed-tech, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The applicants must be either post-revenue startups or pre-revenue startups with developed intellectual property.
What are the benefits of the programme?
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa offers five selected entrepreneurs:
- Up to €10,000 each in funding
- A funded trip to Ireland where they will be part of a curated business networking programme with access to the country’s top business leaders
- Access to the Irish tech ecosystem with potential opportunities for further funding
- Acceleration support to position their global scaling strategy in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs, a leading startup hub in Ireland
The programme also aims to strengthen the relationships between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in the field of ICT, and to contribute to the South African government’s development agenda.
How to apply for the programme?
The applications for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa are now open and will close on 29 September 2023. The applicants must submit an online application form, a pitch deck, and a video pitch. The applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts from the programme partners and the Irish tech ecosystem.
The applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with the SDGs and the South African context
- Innovation and scalability of the solution
- Market potential and traction
- Team capability and diversity
- Fit with the Irish tech ecosystem
The programme strongly encourages applications from women, young entrepreneurs, and persons from disadvantaged communities. The finalists will be announced in October 2023 and the programme will take place in November 2023.
