The Irish Tech Challenge aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering connections between the South African and Irish tech ecosystems. The Tech Challenge will identify a number of high-potential impact-driven South African tech start-ups each year and provide them with a curated mentoring and acceleration program in the Irish tech ecosystem.
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Irish Tech Challenge South Africa
Aim and Benefits of Irish Tech Challenge South Africa
- Up to €10,000 in grant funding.
- A funded trip to Ireland where you will be immersed in the Irish technology ecosystem.
- ????An opportunity to learn from Irish business mentors on how to scale in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.
- Collaborative initiative: Spearheaded by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, The Department of Science, Techology and Innovation (DSTI) and The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the programme aims to fuse Irish technology expertise with the innovation of South African tech entrepreneurs.
- Focus on innovation: The Irish Tech Challenge is rooted in promoting innovation, fostering technology development, and ensuring effective technology deployment within South Africa.
- Empowering diversity: With a special emphasis on encouraging applications from women, young entrepreneurs, and startups aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate-focused start-ups.
- Global expansion support: The chosen entrepreneurs will receive not just financial aid, but also premier access to Ireland’s vast technological expertise and influential networks to bolster their growth.
- Overcoming challenges: The initiative understands the barriers faced by tech entrepreneurs ready for global scalability: limited resources, high tech costs, and network and infrastructure access.
Requirements for Irish Tech Challenge South Africa Qualification
STAGE
Post revenue; Pre-revenue, (but with developed IP or prototype). Venture must demonstrate commercial potential.
SECTORS
All Tech sectors welcome. We are particularly interested in: Clean/Green-Tech, Circular Economies, Med/Health/Biotech, Ed-Tech, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)
IMPACT
Addressing one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: See SDG list
TEAM
At least one founder/CEO must be full-time. Women-led or youth-led businesses are particularly encouraged to apply
OWNERSHIP
At least 51% owned by a South African and/or partnership with an Irish national
GEOGRAPHY
Headquartered in South Africa or Ireland
Application Deadline
August 4, 2025How to Apply
For more details, visit Irish Tech Challenge South Africa webpage
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