TOP 5 SELECTED STARTUPS FOR THE IRISH TECH CHALLENGE

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 & Innovation (DSI) and Dogpatch Labs Ireland invited South African tech startups to apply to the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2023.

The top 5 startups

View the startup profiles

Total of 266 applications received

THE IRISH TECH CHALLENGE WILL AWARD THE SELECTED FIVE STARTUPS:

Up to €10,000 in funding for the 5 entrepreneurs who stay committed to the programme for its duration.
  • A funded and curated business networking trip to Ireland with access to the country’s top business ​​leaders.
  • ​​​​Access to the Irish tech ecosystem ​​with potential opportunities for further funding.
  • Acceleration support to position your global scaling strategy in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.

SEE THE STARTUPS AT THE IRISH TECH SHOWCASE DAY!!

DATE: TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2023
TIME: 3:00 -5:30 PM
PLACE: TSHIMOLOGONG DIGITAL INNOVATION PRECINCT
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BENEFITS OF THE IRISH TECH CHALLENGE

  • Collaborative initiative: Spearheaded by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, in partnership with the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Technology Innovation Agency and Dogpatch Labs Ireland, 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, persons from historically disadvantaged communities, and startups aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • 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. Ireland is the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world and is home to nine of the top 10 US tech companies and the top five global software companies, and has produced seven home-grown tech unicorns. 
  • 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.

UPCOMING KEY DATES

21 November 2023:
Showcase Day
10 – 17 February 2024:
Visit to Ireland
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SELECTION AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The selection committee comprises highly qualified and impartial experts with experience in the technology and innovation sector and experience working with entrepreneurs at varying stages of their entrepreneurship journey.

PAUL DEANE

Trade and Education Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland

Dr Babongile Mkhize

Director for Innovation Priorities and Instruments at the Department of Science and Innovation

Hesus Inoma

International Liaison at Dogpatch Labs – Ireland

Monique D. Griffith

Head of Innovation Partnerships at the City of Johannesburg

Nicola Kelly

Director: Sub-Saharan Africa at Enterprise Ireland

Ephraim Phalafala

Deputy Director in the Department of Science and Innovation

Prof. Helen Duh

Head of School: School of Business Sciences University of the Witwatersrand

EDWELL GUMBO

Head of Enterprise Development Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Contact

For general feedback and any queries not found in the FAQs, please email irishtechchallenge@tshimologong.joburg

Please expect responses within three working days.

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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 Five 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.

You can email irishtechchallenge@tshimologong.joburg