SA Tech Challenge 2025

Applications are now open for the SA Tech Challenge 2025, an exciting opportunity for formal Micro, Small, and Medium (MSME) technology enterprises from South Africa. This challenge is a collaboration between several government departments and organizations to support and scale up businesses in the tech sector.

📖 About SA Tech Challenge

The SA Tech Challenge is the most lucrative and exciting tech opportunity in South Africa to date. It is a collaboration between:

• The Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
• The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD)
• The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT)
• The Innovation Bridge Portal (supported by the CSIR)
• The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
• The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
• Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Key Highlights:

• Date Published: May 21, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• Eligible Locations: South Africa
• Category: Contest

The challenge aims to integrate various government departments to support scale-up businesses in the tech sector. Winners and finalists will be hosted at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA) Summit in Cape Town, where they will showcase their solutions to a global audience of investors, mentors, corporates, and government stakeholders.

🏆 Categories

Participants can submit their solutions in the following categories:

• Digital Platforms: Scalable platform solutions connecting user groups, addressing market inefficiencies, and creating new digital ecosystems, especially for underserved markets.
• FinTech: Innovative digital solutions for improved financial management, access, and inclusion, particularly for underserved populations, demonstrating regulatory compliance, security, and scalability.
• Secured Digital Infrastructure: Solutions strengthening cybersecurity, data protection, and system resilience, addressing critical security challenges and enhancing digital trust, especially for MSMEs with limited security resources.
• Circular Economy: Solutions to reuse and regenerate materials or products that demonstrate clear business value while addressing environmental challenges of linear consumption.
• Innovations for Connectivity: Digital solutions that bridge the digital divide and enhance network infrastructure, including technologies that improve internet access, strengthen telecommunications, or enable affordable use of smart devices and IoT.
• Innovations for Development: Digital solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and education that improve productivity, access, and delivery while creating social impact and business value.

🎁 Benefits of SA Tech Challenge

• Prize Allocations:

  • 1st Place: R1 million
  • 2nd Place: R750,000
  • 3rd Place: R500,000
  • 4th, 5th, and 6th Places: R250,000 each

• Additional Benefits:

  • The top five finalists per category will be invited to the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit in Cape Town from September 24 to 26, 2025.
  • Winners will receive non-financial support from various government agencies to aid their post-competition business development.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The challenge is open to formal Micro, Small, and Medium (MSME) technology enterprises from South Africa that meet the following criteria:

1. Enterprise Stage:

   • Must be post-revenue with fewer than 250 employees.
   • Annual turnover must be less than R250 million.

2. Technology Readiness Level (TRL):

   • Technology or solution must be at a minimum of TRL 7 as per the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) guidelines.
   • Should be post-prototype, with demonstrated use by clients and implemented in relevant environments.

3. Impact:

   • Must address at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
   • Should have potential for regional/global growth with quantifiable social outcomes.

4. Ownership:

   • Companies must be owned and headquartered in South Africa.
   • Must meet all compliance requirements as per CIPC and SARS.

5. Sector Categories:

   • Operate in or serve any of the following six categories:
     • Digital Platforms
     • FinTech
     • Secured Digital Infrastructure
     • Circular Economy
     • Innovations for Connectivity
     • Innovations for Development (Agri-tech, Health-tech, Ed-tech)

📅 Application Process

1. Submit your application online.
2. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email.
3. Applications will be reviewed by the selection team.
4. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews or presentations.
5. Successful applicants will be selected to participate in the G20 Competition.

📌 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit: September 24–26, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the SA Tech Challenge.
• Apply for the SA Tech Challenge.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to showcase your innovative solutions and gain global recognition! 🚀

• Prize allocations are as follows:
  • 1st - R1 million
  • 2nd - R750,000
  • 3rd - R500,000
  • 4th, 5th and 6th - R250,000 each.
• The top five finalists per category will also be invited to the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit in Cape Town from 24 to 26 September 2025.
• The winners will also receive non-financial support from different government agencies to support their post-competition business development.