• The 2024 Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is set to launch today at Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein.
• The Challenge seeks to accelerate high-potential tech entrepreneurs in South Africa.
• Among some of the benefits that will be offered to successful applicants is €10 000 in grant funding.

Today, 15th March, marks the launch of the 2024 Irish Tech Challenge South Africa.

The startup-focused event follows on from last year’s successful competition that aimed to identify and assist South African entrepreneurs that show high potential with access to funding, support, and resources in order to take their business a significant step forward.

The Irish Tech Challenge is being launched at Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg today in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency, and implementation partners Dogpatch Labs in Ireland and the aforementioned Tshimologong.

“This mutually beneficial partnership between the governments of Ireland and South Africa supports South African tech entrepreneurs to help drive innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth in South Africa as well as foster technological advancements and creating a global network of innovators committed to positive change,” noted organisers in a release shared with Hypertext.

In particular it seeks to find compelling South African-owned, growth-stage tech startups whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

“The Tech challenge is open to all sectors, with a targeted focus on 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,” it added.

In terms of the benefits that will be awarded to successful applicants, they will gain access to:

• €10 000 (~R203 771) in grant funding,
• A 10-day curated trip to Ireland aimed at accessing global customers and partners, 
• Access to the best of Ireland’s tech expertise and business acceleration,
• An increase in profile leveraged by both the Irish and South African governments.

To find out more about the Challenge, visit Tshimologong’s website here.