Application is now open for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa
Following the launch of the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, South African tech startups now have the opportunity to gain international exposure and access to global markets.
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, a collaboration between the Irish Embassy in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Impact Amplifier, aims to create mutually beneficial partnerships between Irish tech expertise and South African tech entrepreneurs to help drive innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
The organizers want to accelerate high-potential South African tech entrepreneurs who are ready to scale globally and increase their impact but face challenges such as limited resources and a lack of access to appropriate global networks and infrastructure.
Businesses owned and operated by women, youth, and members of historically disadvantaged communities will be given special consideration.
Up to five tech entrepreneurs will participate in a fully-funded 10-day curated business networking program in Ireland, one of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs, where they will gain access to the expertise of Irish tech leaders, build their networks in Ireland, Europe, and South Africa, and receive funding of up to EUR10,000 (US$11,000) each.
Colm Brophy, Ireland’s minister for overseas development aid and diaspora, stated that initiatives such as the Tech Challenge are critical for future development and generations to come because they “create new connections, new bridges, and new opportunities between our peoples.”
“We see a great opportunity for partnerships in sectors that support economic and social progress, such as clean-tech, agri-tech, med-tech and education-tech. We also see an opportunity in the Tech Challenge to engage with our diaspora communities, working in the tech sector in both Ireland and South Africa,” he said.
Applications are open now until April 5.
