Join the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 and seize the opportunity to change the tech landscape while making a global impact
THE IRISH TECH CHALLENGE WILL AWARD AMBITIOUS, POST-REVENUE SOUTH AFRICAN STARTUPS:
- 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.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Post revenue; Pre-revenue, (but with developed IP or prototype). Venture must demonstrate commercial potential.
All Tech sectors welcome. We are particularly interested in: Clean/Green-Tech, Circular Economies, Med/Health/Biotech, Ed-Tech, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)
Addressing one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: See SDG list
At least one founder/CEO must be full-time. Women-led or youth-led businesses are particularly encouraged to apply
At least 51% owned by a South African and/or partnership with an Irish national
Headquartered in South Africa or Ireland
See the Irish Tech Challenge Alumni
2023 Irish Tech Challenge Cohort
2024 Irish Tech Challenge Cohort
Irish Tech Challenge 2024 Recap Video
IRISH TECH CHALLENGE SOUTH AFRICA FAQs
General
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.
- To provide seven high-potential entrepreneurs who are ready to expand their company and operations globally, with access to high-quality Irish expertise and networks.
- To foster stronger ties and collaboration between the tech and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Ireland and South Africa. The objective is to provide a platform for both countries to thrive through mutual cooperation and support.
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, in partnership with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Dogpatch Labs Ireland.
Contact
For general feedback and any queries not found in the FAQs, please email irishtechchallenge@tshimologong.joburg
Please expect responses within three working days.
We may be unable to answer specific questions about applications while the call for applications is still open
Want to know more?
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa in partnership with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the Department of Science Technology & Innovation (DSTI) and Dogpatch Labs Ireland invite you to apply to participate in the 2025 Irish Tech Challenge South Africa.
