Supported by the Technology Innovation Agency's higher risk appetite and Sasol's ChemCity incubator, the competition will evaluate entries for inclusion in an extensive range of financial and non-financial support programmes.
The initiative offers finalists and winners access to prestigious local and international networks, mentorship and funding. These include global introductions to business leaders through the international partnership group, the SABLE Accelerator (South African Business Link to Experts).
Winners will receive up to 4 hours of high-value consulting time with selected SABLE advisers and a 3-month engagement with experienced and reputable industry mentors. In partnership with the SA Business and Technology Incubation Association (SABTIA), entrants who would benefit from incubation will be referred as appropriate.
The competition seeks innovations in the health and biotechnology, chemicals, mining and manufacturing, information and communication technologies, food and agriculture, energy and green environment sectors.
"With the deadline looming, existing registrants and new entrants are encouraged to enter without delay, to allow them sufficient time to polish their entries and document uploads," says former founding CEO of Proudly South African and Enablis, Martin Feinstein, who manages the competition.
With access to knowledge and networks also critical, finalists and winners will share in the vibrant regional network-building and mentorship capacity of enterprise development bodies such as Enablis and SAINe, while qualifying innovations involving software development can enter into Microsoft's Bizspark developer programme.
For more information, go to www.step-up.org.za.
