Deadline Date: April 30, 2026
The Green Innovators’ Pitch 11.0 is seeking applications to support innovators across different stages of growth to develop and showcase scalable solutions that contribute to South Africa’s green economy transition.
The programme focuses on agriculture and food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, mineral beneficiation, environmental conservation and protection, sustainable mobility and responsible tourism, renewable energy and energy efficiency, waste beneficiation and management, water conservation and efficiency, and green buildings.
The initiative provides a national platform for innovators to present their ideas and solutions at the Green Youth Indaba, enabling them to gain visibility and connect with key stakeholders in the green economy ecosystem. It is designed to support participants from ideation and incubation through to acceleration and scaling, encouraging the development of impactful innovations that address environmental and sustainability challenges.
Finalists benefit from national recognition and the opportunity to engage with investors and industry experts. Participants also compete for a share of R750,000 in prizes, which include access to equipment and infrastructure, post-event business mentorship, incubation and accelerator support, investor introductions, national media exposure, and recognition at the Green Youth Champion Awards. In addition, ongoing support is provided through the Green Youth Network to help innovators continue their growth journey.
The programme is open to youth, women, and people with disabilities, as well as entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and innovators operating within the eligible categories. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, be South African citizens or permanent residents, and be founders or co-founders of their innovations. Eligible submissions must demonstrate at least a pilot, prototype, or operational solution, as idea-only applications are not considered. Participants are also required to be available for all pitch-related activities.
Through this initiative, Green Innovators’ Pitch 11.0 aims to strengthen the pipeline of youth-led innovations that support sustainable development and drive the country’s transition toward a greener economy.
For more information, visit Green Youth Indaba.
