The third edition of the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa has selected seven promising South African tech startups for a program designed to create synergistic relationships between South African entrepreneurs and Ireland’s renowned technological expertise, capitalizing on Ireland’s status as a global tech hub.
The annual Irish Tech Challenge is orchestrated by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, in collaboration with Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.
Out of over 350 submissions, this year’s challenge focused on identifying South African-owned, growth-stage tech startups that are contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The chosen startups will partake in a rigorous pre-acceleration program consisting of workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions in South Africa.
The program will provide the seven selected entrepreneurs with benefits including up to EUR 10,000 (approximately US$11,000) in funding each, a sponsored trip to Ireland for a bespoke business networking program with some of Ireland’s leading business figures, integration into the Irish tech ecosystem with potential for additional funding, and acceleration support from Dogpatch Labs.
The startups selected for this opportunity are diverse in their offerings: SmartView Technology delivers enterprise-level utility management solutions; Momint leverages blockchain technology for swift and secure investments in renewable energy projects; and The Awareness Company enhances operational efficiency and sustainability through data-driven situational awareness with its software, Hydra.
Other participants include Athena, which facilitates affordable healthcare services through a platform that allows patients to finance their medical treatments in installments; Adbot, offering online advertising solutions tailored for small businesses; Samanjalo, a company specializing in fly ash beneficiation; and Credipple, a talent marketplace connecting trusted creative and digital professionals.
Ambassador of Ireland to South Africa, Austin Gormley, commented on the initiative, highlighting it as a testament to the robust collaboration between Ireland and South Africa in the realms of technology and innovation. He emphasized Ireland’s dedication to nurturing global tech partnerships and aiding young entrepreneurs in making their mark internationally. Ambassador Gormley expressed enthusiasm for the selected startups’ future contributions to fostering inclusive economic growth within South Africa.
