Deadline: September 25, 2025
The EC Innovation Challenge seeks to combat unemployment and drive socio-economic growth by empowering participants to create innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.
The focus is on Agriculture (Agro-processing and Aquaculture): Sustainable Value-Addition for Locally Grown Crops and Aquatic Resources, Automotive: Eco-Friendly Mobility for Urban and Rural Integration, ICT and Electronics: Digital Inclusion for Economic Empowerment, Renewable Energy: Decentralised Clean Energy Solutions for Rural Communities, and Manufacturing: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Industrial Production.
This opportunity invites all Eastern Cape innovators, including individuals, teams, and entrepreneurs, to submit proposals that address urgent challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare, education, energy, and clean water, with special emphasis on solutions impacting the Eastern Cape province. Applicants must complete and sign all sections of the application form, along with any accompanying documents. The assessment process includes pre-selection, boot camp training, a formal application, and a final pitch round.
Winning entries in each sector will be awarded prize money of up to R100,000, which will support the further development and commercialisation of the idea. Winners will also receive mentoring, access to pre-incubation services where available, support from commercialisation and IP specialists, product design expertise, prototyping help, and assistance with marketing their concept.
For more information, visit ELIDZ STP.
