Winetech, SA Innovation Summit launch agritech startup competition

Wine industry body Winetech and the SA Innovation Summit have launched a competition for agritech startups that are developing innovative solutions to address key issues affecting wine producers.

The Winetech Pitching Den competition will focus on climate change, water reclamation and resourcing, genetics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data, and any other areas which increase efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability. Entries for the competition will close on 9 June.

In a statement on Tuesday (9 April), the SA Innovation Summit said finalists of the competition will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at the summit which will take place between 11 and 13 September in Cape Town.

Startups must apply for the Winetech Pitching Den Competition by 9 June

At the Winetech Pitching Den, startups will receive exposure to investment opportunities and channels to market, providing them with the opportunity to transfer their innovation to more than 650 wine producers in the country. The winner will also be provided with incubation and acceleration to fast-track their company.

Commenting in the same statement, Winetech executive manager Gerard Martin said the wine industry is ripe for disruption. “We are really excited to engage with startups which can bring novel and innovative ideas that can contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the South African wine industry,” he said.

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