Established by the Innovation Hub, the Gauteng Accelerator Programme has announced this year’s finalists, who all stand a chance of winning a share of R3-million in prize money and R2-million in business support to grow their business.
Pieter Holl, CEO of The Innovation Hub explains the overall aim of the Gauteng Accelerator programme.
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“We’ve seen an increased drive and passion for getting things done and supporting our nation during this difficult time. We want to help drive innovation and inject cash flow into the economy by supporting our nation of dreamers and implementors,” he adds.
The accelerator programme aims to provide seed funding and developmental support to entrepreneurs who have created innovative technologies that positively impact society and the efficiency of government service.
The finalists and categories
With key five categories, namely; Township Economy, Bioscience, ICT, Medical, and Green, the full list of finalists for the Gauteng Accelerator programme can be found here.
The Gauteng Accelerator Township Economy (GATE)
The Township Economy category aims to recognize township-based innovations that positively contribute to the growth and development of the township economy.
Bioscience
This category assists scientists and entrepreneurs in pursuing commercially viable opportunities for cutting edge bioscience technologies.
Medical
Entrepreneurs or startups in this category are recognised for focusing on identifying and creating health innovations that will improve the delivery of health services in hospitals.
Green
Recognising green technologies, this category focuses on entrepreneurs’ products that contribute to sustainability, job creation, and economic development.
“These categories have been meticulously chosen to bring forward the best projects that South African entrepreneurs and scientists have to offer. They represent the unique challenges that need solutions in South Africa today,” adds Holl.
The winning prize
Collaborating with various businesses in the private sector, both internationally and locally along with the local government, the Innovation Hub has created a wealthy network to support the selected winners in both business mentorship and seed funding.
The finalists will be selected by an expert panel of national and international industry experts, with the selected winners announced on 20 November 2020 during a virtual awards ceremony.
The winners will receive assistance in the form of seed funding opportunities, business incubation support, tailored mentoring, and personalised business support during the first year.
Holl is encouraging entrepreneurs to apply for the Gauteng Accelerator Programme’s 2021 competition, which will open in April next year.
“We can never have too many innovative and enterprising minds. “South Africa thrives on innovation – we need your ideas and plans to move our country forward! We’re eager to assist you in making your idea a reality and look forward to receiving your entries; keep an eye on our website for details on how to apply,” he concludes.
Read more: Apply to the Global innovation competition by AfricaHacks
Read more: New digital mentorship for women-owned businesses in Africa launches
Featured image: Austin Distel via Unsplash
