Irish Tech Challenge – South Africa
4 March 2022Thula Zondi
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science & Innovation (DSI) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) have established the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa to incentivise mutually beneficial partnerships between Irish technology expertise and South African entrepreneurs/businesses and to support innovation, technology development, and technology deployment/commercialisation in South Africa.
The fund will target five majority-owned South African tech businesses that address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (‘SDGs’), e.g. through climate or med-tech solutions. A particular focus will be provided on both women and young entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged communities. This programme is ideally suited to entrepreneurs who intend to expand globally and require additional access to funding, Irish tech expertise, and markets that can help to accelerate the growth of
their ventures.
Specifically, the successful entrepreneurs will:
- Travel to Ireland for a 10-day programme of business networking in 2022, access top tech-leaders’ expertise and build global networks.
- Receive up to €10,000 funding each; and
- Receive acceleration/mentorship support to position their global growth strategy.
High growth tech entrepreneurs are recognised to have the potential to be a major driver for innovation, economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. However, tech entrepreneurs in South Africa whose products/services are ready to scale globally, often face barriers due to limited resources, access to appropriate global networks and infrastructure; and high technology costs.
This fund intends to leverage many benefits from partnering with relevant Irish ecosystem players, given Ireland’s growing role as a global technological hub, offering access to European and international markets. Ireland is the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world, and is home to nine of the top 10 US tech companies, and the top five global software companies.
South Africa has a growing start up and technology development market and seeks to place innovation and technology at the centre of its development agenda. The fund seeks to provide a platform for tech entrepreneurs from both countries to thrive through collaboration, networking and mentorship The fund will be launched in
February 2022 and will be publicised through an information
campaign that will include a launch event, media activity, advertising
and information sessions.
If you are a South African entrepreneur, investor or ecosystem actor, and
wish to participate in the fund, please email programs@impactamplifier.co.za