Attention entrepreneurs, diarise this: LaunchCapeTown

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to network, polish your elevator pitch, hone your product or simply learn from big names in the tech industry, diarise LaunchCapeTown, the five day event that starts on 23 March in Cape Town, South Africa and brings together startups, entrepreneurs, and digital tastemakers.

The event includes the Cape Town Entrepreneurial Competition (CTEC), as well as startup-related speakers, get-togethers, mentoring sessions and keynotes from big name speakers such as Nimeshh Patel, COO of AOL Europe. Attendees will be able to mix with “trailblazers”, media representatives, as well as digital creatives from the interactive industry.

The competition segment of the event will focus on digital innovation and will see startups go head-to-head in a battle for the attention of a panel of expert local and international judges and mentors.

Businesses that are not currently trading will be able to compete in the “Idea stage” category, while businesses that are, will be able to compete in the “Growth stage” category. The top five companies in each of the two categories will be invited to participate in the mentoring, pitching and coaching weekend, at the end of which the CTEC 2012 winners will be announced. Entries close 20 March.

There are cash prizes up for grabs from sponsors such as Samsung, Activa and Telkom.

For more information on the event check out the official LaunchCapeTown website and these quick links to the event’s program, mentors and competition aspects.