SA Cleantech Innovation Programme is calling all green startups

The South African Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) for SMEs has officially launched in South Africa.

In collaboration with GEF, UNIDO and TIA, the programme is currently calling for applications for the Cleantech Competition and Accelerator Programme. The aim of this initiative is to tackle the planet’s most imminent environmental challenges and enable small businesses to play a pivotal role in finding local innovative solutions.

Entrepreneurs sprouting from fields such as efficiency, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and water efficiency will all be identified. Through the programme, these entrepreneurs will be geared towards commercialisation. The best cleantech startups will be trained, assessed and mentored throughout the programme.

The Accelerator Programme will culminate in the National Award Event in October 2014 where finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations. The national winners from each country will then go to the Global Forum in Silicon Valley in November where they’ll have the opportunity to broaden their networks, benefiting from the global linkages of the programme.

Professor Kfir, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) interim CEO, indicated that the programme has the potential for the agency to deepen its role in local tech innovation ecosystem. “We have too many emerging enterprises that fail in their first 5 years and yet our hopes are on this sector to succeed and create a large percentage of much needed jobs,” says Jeanne Rose, Director of ECO2 Partnership SA.

Applications are open until 30 June 2014. For more information on how to get involved with the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in South Africa see the website.