The Embassy of Ireland in SA, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) & the Department of Science & Innovation (DSI) invited South Africa or Ireland headquartered tech entrepreneurs to the launch of the fund on 24 February 2022.
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa fund will:
Expand high impact entrepreneurs’ scale globally
Leverage Ireland’s role as a global tech hub
Soften access to European and international markets
Lean on the South African tech ecosystem and the South African government.as partners
Provide a new platform for tech entrepreneurs who address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Selection Criteria
Stage: Post revenue; Pre-revenue, (but with developed IP). Venture must demonstrate commercial potential.
Sectors: All sectors welcome. We are particularly interested in: Clean/Green-Tech, Circular Economies, Med/Health/Biotech, Ed-Tech, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) & Impact Sourcing.
Impact: Addressing one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: See SDG list.
Team: At least one founder/CEO must be full-time; Women-led or youth-led businesses are particularly encouraged to apply.
Ownership: At least 51% owned by a South African and/or partnership with an Irish national.
Geography: Headquartered in South Africa or Ireland.
Up to five entrepreneurs will:
Access top tech leaders’ expertise in Ireland
Build their network in Ireland, Europe & South Africa
Receive up to €10 000 funding each
Attend a curated & funded 10-day business networking programme in Ireland
Benefit from a new platform for tech entrepreneurs who address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key dates:
24 February 2022: Launch of Challenge
16 March 2022: Information session
5 April 2022: Submission deadline
2 May 2022: Awards communicated
Early to mid-June 2022: Trip to Ireland and participation in an Acceleration Programme
Selection & Advisory Committee – Includes highly qualified and impartial experts experienced in the technology and innovation sectors and/or working with entrepreneurs at varying stages of their entrepreneurship journey.
Senisha Moonsamy – Head of Innovation, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
Paul Deane – Trade Counsellor, Embassy of Ireland
Dr Babongile Mkhize – Director, Department of Science & Innovation
Max Pichulik – Partner, Impact Amplifier
Sandra Makuchete – Project Manager, Impact Amplifier
Contact:
For general feedback or any queries not found in the FAQs, please email programs@impactamplifier.co.za
Please expect responses within three working days
We may be unable to answer specific questions about applications while the Call to Apply is still open