The DSI and Irish Embassy in South Africa search for tech startups in Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2023

Five innovators to secure €10 000 each in funding and a curated networking tour to Ireland

The South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, invites local technopreneurs, especially young, black, women-owned businesses, to enter the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2023.

The initiative aims to harness Ireland's position as a global high-tech hub to forge mutually beneficial partnerships between South African entrepreneurs and Irish technology experts.

It is implemented by the DSI's entity, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the University of the Witwatersrand's Tshimologong Precinct (digital innovation ecosystem) and Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.

The Irish Tech Challenge 2023 seeks to find the most compelling South African-owned, growth-stage tech startups whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While the challenge is open to all sectors, applications from companies in the following sectors are encouraged, in line with the challenges outlined in the SDGs and their resonance in the South African context: clean and green technology; the circular economy; medical, health and biotechnologies; education; and water, sanitation and hygiene. Applicants must be either post-revenue startups or pre-revenue startups with developed intellectual property.

The five successful entrepreneurs selected will each receive the following from the Irish Tech Challenge:

• Up to €10,000 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 technology ecosystem with potential opportunities for further funding.
• Acceleration support to position their global scaling strategy in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs.

The DSI's 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and the first STI Decadal Plan through which the White Paper is being implemented both emphasise increased support for and collaboration with the business sector, including the exploitation of new and emerging sources of economic growth and the use of innovation to revitalise existing sectors.

"The partnership with Ireland aligns perfectly with the White Paper policy intents and will make a valuable contribution to the implementation of the Decadal Plan by cultivating an innovative and entrepreneurial culture in South Africa," said Dr Babongile Mkhize, Director: Innovation Priorities and Instruments at the DSI.

"As a global technological hub and second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world, Ireland is well placed to lend both its expertise and experience to support the growth of South African young entrepreneurs," commented Paul Deane, Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa.

"Moreover, by leaning on the local South African tech ecosystem as a partner, entrepreneurs can effectively scale tech solutions that align with and contribute to the South African government's development agenda.

"Together we can capacitate tech startups to grow outside the borders of South Africa and the programme will also strengthen the relationships between this country and Ireland, particularly in the field of ICT.

"The Irish Tech Challenge 2023 will provide a platform for tech entrepreneurs from both countries to thrive through collaboration, networking and mentorship," he said.

Lesley Donna Williams, CEO of the Tshimologong Precinct, says, "As a hub for digital innovation, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct is dedicated to fostering a community of top-tier African digital entrepreneurs. Partnering with the Irish Government and global digital hubs like Dogpatch Labs enriches our journey, allowing us to exchange insights and enhance our support to African tech entrepreneurs."

Applications for the Irish Tech Challenge are open until 29 September 2023.

Application forms are available here.

An information session will be held from 11:30 to 12:30 on 13 September 2023.  To register, please click here.