The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has launched the first-ever South African Tech Challenge 2025.

This new initiative is designed to spotlight and support the most promising and scalable small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) within the country’s digital innovation sector. The goal is to elevate local innovators to global prominence while reinforcing South Africa’s presence in international forums like the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance and Startup20.

The challenge is more than just a competition—it serves as a platform for recognition, growth, and collaboration. It creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthens partnerships, and fosters a culture of innovation. By aligning with national development goals and the broader objectives of the G20, the SA Tech Challenge aims to use technology as a tool for economic progress, social upliftment, and sustainable development.

This initiative forms part of the DSTI’s broader vision under the 2022–2032 Decadal Plan, which seeks to cultivate an environment where innovation can thrive. By accelerating the development of local technologies and empowering homegrown entrepreneurs, the challenge supports South Africa’s ambition to become a global leader in digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

The competition will be organized by Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct at Wits University and supported by various government departments and agencies, including the Technology Innovation Agency, the Department of Small Business Development, the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation (DCDT), and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. Together, these stakeholders will help identify and uplift the country’s top tech SMMEs.

Winners in each of the six categories—digital platforms, fintech, secured digital infrastructure, circular economy, innovations for connectivity, and innovations for development (which includes agritech, edtech, and health tech)—will each receive a prize of R1 million. These winners will also represent South Africa at the G20 DIA Summit to be held in Cape Town from 24–26 September 2025. Additionally, the DCDT will sponsor the top five entrants in each category to attend and present their solutions at the summit.

Applications are currently open and will close on 30 June 2025. Eligible SMMEs must have been operating for at least one year and should not exceed R250 million in annual revenue. Interested businesses can apply through the official website: www.satechchallenge.co.za. Finalists and winners will be publicly announced on 31 July 2025.