Deadline: August 4, 2025
Applications are open for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025. Join the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa and seize the opportunity to change the tech landscape while making a global impact. The Irish Tech Challenge aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering connections between the South African and Irish tech ecosystems. The Tech Challenge will identify a number of high-potential impact-driven South African tech start-ups each year and provide them with a curated mentoring and acceleration program in the Irish tech ecosystem.
The aims of the Irish Tech Challenge are:
- To provide seven high-potential entrepreneurs who are ready to expand their company and operations globally, with access to high-quality Irish expertise and networks.
- To foster stronger ties and collaboration between the tech and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Ireland and South Africa. The objective is to provide a platform for both countries to thrive through mutual cooperation and support.
Benefits
The Irish Tech Challenge will award ambitious, post-revenue South African startups with:
- Up to €10,000 in grant funding.
- A funded trip to Ireland where you will be immersed in the Irish technology ecosystem.
- An opportunity to learn from Irish business mentors on how to scale in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.
Eligibility
- Open to startups headquartered in South Africa or Ireland;
- At least 51% owned by a South African and/or partnership with an Irish national;
- At least one founder/CEO must be full-time. Women-led or youth-led businesses are particularly encouraged to apply;
- Addressing one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
- All Tech sectors welcome. They are particularly interested in: Clean/Green-Tech, Circular Economies, Med/Health/Biotech, Ed-Tech, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene);
- Post revenue; Pre-revenue, (but with developed IP or prototype). Venture must demonstrate commercial potential.
Application
For more information, visit Irish Tech Challenge South Africa.
