SA Tech Challenge 2025 by DSTI & Partners: Compete for R3 Million in Prizes and a Spot at the G20 Digital Innovation Summit
SA Tech Challenge 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Applicants
The SA Tech Challenge 2025 is a premier innovation competition in South Africa, offering a R3 million prize pool and the opportunity to represent the nation at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA) Summit in Cape Town. This initiative, supported by various government departments and institutions, aims to spotlight and scale impactful technology solutions developed by South African micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 at 23h59
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SA Tech Challenge 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enterprise Stage: Post-revenue with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover under R250 million.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): A minimum of TRL 7, indicating a solution that is beyond prototype stage and has been demonstrated in relevant environments.
- Impact Alignment: The solution should address at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Ownership: The company must be South African-owned and headquartered, with compliance to CIPC and SARS regulations.
- Sector Categories: Applicants must operate in or serve one of the following sectors:
- Digital Platforms
- FinTech
- Secured Digital Infrastructure
- Circular Economy
- Innovations for Connectivity
- Innovations for Development (Agri-tech, Health-tech, Ed-tech)
Competition Categories
Applicants are required to select one of the following categories:
- Digital Platforms: Online infrastructures facilitating interactions between different user groups.
- FinTech: Technology solutions that enhance and automate financial services.
- Secured Digital Infrastructure: Systems ensuring the protection of digital operations from cyber and physical threats.
- Circular Economy: Models focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
- Innovations for Connectivity: Technologies aimed at improving and expanding communication networks.
- Innovations for Development: Solutions that enhance social, economic, and environmental well-being, particularly in developing contexts.
Application Process
The application process comprises several stages:
- Registration: Provide basic contact information.
- Business Information: Include details such as:
- Trading and registered business names
- CIPC registration number
- Business website
- Tax Compliance Status (TCS) from SARS
- Operational duration and employee count
- Team information, including roles and qualifications
- Financial Information: Submit financial documents, including:
- Total funding raised to date
- Financial statements for the last 1-2 years or burn rate documentation for pre-revenue startups
- Revenue and profit figures for the years 2024 and 2025
- Total debt, assets, and cash balances for the years 2024 and 2025
- Solution and Problem Statement: Provide comprehensive details on:
- The specific problem your solution addresses
- A description of your solution, including technologies used
- Market size and target audience
- Innovation aspects and unique advantages
- Competitive positioning and differentiation from existing solutions
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following:
- Innovation (30%): Originality and uniqueness of the solution.
- Impact (20%): Potential social, economic, or environmental impact.
- Scalability (20%): Potential for regional or global growth.
- Feasibility (10%): Practicality of implementation and team capability.
- Team (10%): Expertise and experience of the team.
- Presentation (10%): Clarity, engagement, and professionalism of the pitch delivery.
Prize Structure
The competition offers a total prize pool of R3 million, distributed as follows:
- Overall Winner: R1 million
- Second Place: R750,000
- Third Place: R500,000
- Fourth to Sixth Places: R250,000 each
Additionally, all category winners will receive post-competition support in areas such as intellectual property protection, business development, and growth.
G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit
Category winners will be invited to participate in the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Summit, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 24 to 26 September 2025. This summit provides an international platform for showcasing innovative solutions and networking with global stakeholders.
Document Checklist
Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Business registration certificate (COR14.3)
- SARS Tax Compliance Status Result Letter
- Financial statements or burn rate documentation
- Functional demo materials
- Evidence of testing or user feedback
- Supporting testimonials, partnerships, or letters of support
- Proof of Intellectual Property ownership (if applicable)
Contact Information
For any questions or assistance regarding the application process, visit the official website for SA Tech Challenge.
This guide aims to assist potential applicants in navigating the SA Tech Challenge 2025 application process effectively. By thoroughly preparing and aligning your application with the outlined criteria, you can enhance your chances of success in this prestigious competition.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
