Who it’s for
Young founders with something already moving.
You do not need a finished company, a polished deck, or a track record. You need an idea worth backing and evidence you have started.
Aged 18–35
On the day of the final, in Johannesburg.
Any stage
Idea · Pre-revenue · Early revenue · Growth · Scale
SA ID or passport
Open to anyone living lawfully in South Africa, not only citizens.
What you need
No company. No CIPC. Just valid ID.
Selection is on the strength of the idea, the founder, the traction and the pitch. You do not need a registered company to enter — a trading name is enough. You do need valid identification: a South African ID, or a passport if you are living here lawfully on a visa or permit.
Before a grant is paid, winners must also show the venture is CIPC-registered — or that registration is in process — and that they can lawfully receive funds in South Africa. Winners get 60 days after the event to arrange that. Nothing beyond your ID is checked when you apply.
How it works
Apply. Get mentored. Pitch live. Get funded.
01
Apply
A short application about you, your venture and your traction. No company registration needed.
02
Get mentored
Finalists are selected on merit, then mentored and rehearsed by people who have built before.
03
Pitch live
Finalists pitch to a judging panel on Conference Day in Johannesburg.
04
Get funded
Grants are awarded on the spot, across three places.
What you can win
R170,000
Awarded on the day, across three places, straight to the venture.
1st place
R100,000
2nd place
R50,000
3rd place
R20,000
Key dates
The run to Conference Day.
- Applications open
- Monday 19 October 2026
- Applications close
- Tuesday 27 October 2026, midnight
- Finalists announced
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Live pitch & awards
- Saturday 31 October 2026
Where young ideas rise.
Applications closed on Tuesday 27 October 2026, midnight. Finalists are announced on Wednesday 28 October 2026.