Ducere Holdings wins R1-million at Green City Startup competition

Greentech startup, Ducere Holdings was awarded first place at the Joburg Green City Startup competition. The event took place on 9 November in Johannesburg.

The company created a hybrid transmission system, MISER, that can offer up to 70% reduction in emissions for vehicles. It can be fitted into existing vehicles.

Second and third places were awarded to cloud-based technology startup Solid Insight, and farming system Rydawi Fish Farms, who won R400 000 and R300 000 respectively.

The event was created by the City of Johannesburg and in partnership with Resolution Circle, the University of Johannesburg’s technology commercialisation company and incubator.

Out of 187 entries for the competition, eight were selected. The finalists were each given R250 000, which was used to build a prototype of their idea. They were also given support for their prototypes and pitch training.

“This competition accelerates green innovation in Johannesburg in terms of our buildings, energy and water use, transport and waste,” says executive director at the Department of Economic Development, Ravi Naidoo, in a press release to Ventureburn

“We had a surge in entries this year, which is great as we want Jozi citizens to be conscious of creating a greener city as they live, work and play here.”

Ducere Holdings previously pitched at the Ventureburn Pitching Den, which was held at the 2016 Innovation Summit in Johannesburg.