Government incubation organisation the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has selected AB Farms, led by entrepreneur Mogale Maleka, as the winner of the 2025 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) for the company's hydroponic farming systems that function without continuous water or electricity supply.

AB Farms was one of eight startups that received several months of mentorship, technical training and business development from TIA and its partners the UN Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which provides the funding.

Green Building Products, led by Tebogo Mashifana, which repurposes plastic and solid waste into sustainable, cement-free building materials, was named as the first runner-up.

Graduated Man of Steel, led by Lunga Calvin Mahlangu, which produces affordable electric micro-mobility solutions for urban and industrial transport, was named as the second runner-up for the programme.

The five other finalists for the 2025 GCIP-SA were:

*EcoNova Solutions, led by Sanele Mabizela, converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers, thereby reducing landfill dependency.

*BCycle SA, led by Nkamogeleng Bogopa, creates bicycles from waste plastic and supports eco-friendly urban mobility.

*ROC Water Technologies, led by Johannes Maree, is pioneering freeze-crystallisation to treat saline water and recover clean water.

*Soldevco, led by Heindré Rademan, is advancing ultra-oxygen technology to improve water treatment efficiency.

*AdamVirgo, led by Adam Ngele, develops smart skip bins to enhance waste collection and recycling.

The winner and the two runners-up will be joining winners from partner countries at the GCIP Cleantech Days in Istanbul, Türkiye, in September, where the global GCIP winner will be selected.

The TIA plays a pivotal role in supporting and recognising innovators in the cleantech industry. Through the GCIP-SA accelerator, innovators receive the necessary technical support, funding opportunities, business mentorship, and market access to develop and scale successfully, the agency says.

As an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the TIA is driving the growth of clean technology entrepreneurship in South Africa through its support of the GCIP-SA, it adds.

“By investing in startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, the TIA is strengthening South Africa’s energy efficiency, waste beneficiation, renewable energy, water efficiency and green transport. The TIA is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive economy through innovation,” says TIA GCIP manager and technology stations head Vusi Skosana.

“Through initiatives like GCIP-SA, we support the acceleration of innovative solutions and enable entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and networks needed to commercialise solutions that will shape South Africa’s green future.

“We are expanding the model of the GCIP by engaging implementing partners for greater reach and greater Impact. We are looking forward to onboarding more partners into the programme to ensure that the expertise in our ecosystem is optimally leveraged to reach more provinces in South Africa,” he notes.

“Science, technology and innovation are powerful tools in addressing environmental challenges. Through GCIP-SA, the TIA is supporting South African innovators who are developing solutions to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and enhance water security,” says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande.

“Their work is essential in building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This year’s winner exemplifies the spirit of innovation that GCIP-SA fosters,” he adds.

Since 2014, more than 200 innovators have been supported in various clean technology innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. These technologies are vital to addressing climate change, creating economic opportunities and building a sustainable future.

Embracing new economic opportunities in green technologies can drive industrial development, innovation, and economic diversification, and this will lead to a sustainable and economically resilient future, the TIA says.

“Through initiatives like GCIP-SA, the TIA continues to shape South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. By investing in cleantech entrepreneurs, the TIA is fostering job creation, industrial diversification and global competitiveness in the green economy sector,” it says.