South Africa has taken a giant step to position itself as a hub of digital innovation and entrepreneurship with the launch of inaugural SA Tech Challenge 2025.05.21

The aim of the Challenge is to identify and promote the most impactful and scalable small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) within South Africa’s digital innovation ecosystem. 

The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s (DSTI) Innovation Bridge Portal, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), launched the SA Tech Challenge on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.

Its goal is to showcase local talent on a global platform, support innovation, and enhance South Africa’s representation in the Group of 20 (G20) Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) and Startup20 working groups.

“It will not only provide recognition and exposure to exceptional SMMEs but will also foster an environment conducive to growth, collaboration, and knowledge exchange,” a statement issued by the department said. 

Through the SA Tech Challenge, South Africa aims to position itself as a hub of digital innovation and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously contributing to the broader goals of the G20.  

“This collaborative effort seeks to harness the potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth, social development, and sustainable progress on both a national and global scale.”

With R1 million up for grabs, the winner of each category will represent South Africa at the G20 DIA Summit in Cape Town from 24 to 26 September 2025.  

They must operate in one of the following six categories: digital platforms, fintech, secured digital infrastructure, circular economy, innovations for connectivity, innovations for development including agritech, health tech, edtech. 

The SMMEs must be operational for at least one year, with revenues not exceeding R250 million per annum.  

Applications are now open and close on 30 June 2025, and South African tech SMMEs can apply at www.satechchallenge.co.za. 

Finalists and winners will be announced on 31 July 2025. Source: SAnews.gov.za