High-impact South African startups have until May 5 to submit their applications for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, which promises to provide winners global market access.

The challenge is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency, and implementing partners, University of the Witwatersrand’s Tshimologong Digital Precinct, and Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.

The 2024 Irish Tech Challenge seeks to accelerate the growth of South African-owned tech startups, in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Companies in clean and green technology, healthcare, education and water sanitation and hygiene have been urged to apply, as part of the challenge’s aim of addressing pressing global challenges while promoting economic development and job creation in South Africa.

Launched in 2022, the challenge is meant to be a catalyst for innovation within the South African tech community. By participating in the Irish Tech Challenge, startups will gain access to international networks, mentorship opportunities, and expertise in technology and entrepreneurship. These experiences are meant to foster collaboration and mentorship and enhance the impact and scalability of startups.

“The Irish Tech Challenge is more than just a pitch competition or acceleration. It's community. You start off the programme with strangers at the beginning of the pre-acceleration phase and end the immersion week having built a life-long fellowship with the other founders.

“I would definitely do the programme twice if I could, just to get the opportunity to maximise any missed opportunities with this newfound perspective after the experience. I recommend it for any founder with a global vision,” 2023 Irish Tech Challenge cohort Desert Green Africa founder Tumelo Chiloane says.

“The Irish Tech Challenge really helped me level up as a founder and as a startup. The calibre of individuals you connect with, from the ecosystem builders, to fellow founders, and the quality of the technology community in Dublin is unparalleled. It was an incredibly enriching experience and I would highly recommend it,” Fellow 2023 winner Zoie Health founder Thato Schermer says.

Seven selected startups will benefit from €10 000 in grant funding, as well as a ten-day curated trip to Ireland aimed at accessing global customers and partners.

The selected startups will also gain access to the best of Ireland’s tech expertise and business acceleration, along with an increase in profile leveraged by both the Irish and South African governments.