Irish Tech Challenge South Africa winners showcase innovative solutions in Ireland
Five young South African technology entrepreneurs are in Ireland on a 10-day networking programme to meet industry leaders and promote their startups to new markets.
The entrepreneurs are winners of last year's Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, a flagship tech startup competition that seeks to unearth high-impact South African startups that have developed innovative solutions that are aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Technology Innovation Agency, working with the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (South Africa) and Dogpatch Labs (Ireland) as implementing partners.
From agritech to health tech, the challenge received 266 applications that showcased innovations demonstrating the depth and diversity of talent in the South African tech landscape. The founders of the five winning startups are Thato Schermer of Zoie Health, Neo Hutiri of Pelebox, Vuyo Pakade of Foonda Africa, Ms Benedicta Durcan from AfroBodies, and Tumelo Chiloane from Desert Green Africa.
Tech solutions offered by the winners range from building Africa's first digital women's health clinic (Zoie Health) to using technology to allow patients to collect their medication in under 36 seconds, bypassing long queues in public health facilities (Pelebox). Desert Green Africa is a platform that connects traders and farmers, Afrobodies is using antibodies across multiple sectors, and Foonda Africa offers a system that automates manual hiring tasks.
The DSI's Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources, Mr Daan du Toit, said the Irish-South African partnership has proven to be a remarkable success and created a dynamic platform for tech startups to thrive.
"The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa stands as a shining example of how bilateral relations can drive progress in the tech industry," said Mr Du Toit. He said that the tech challenge has not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but has also laid the foundation for enduring partnerships that will continue to shape the technological landscape for years to come.
The showcase in Dublin not only highlights the accomplishments of these five entrepreneurs but also serves as an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange between South Africa and Ireland, said Austin Gormley, Ireland's Ambassador to South Africa.
"This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges through South African-developed solutions combined with Irish expertise," said Mr Gormley. He added that the solutions promoted by these entrepreneurs have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact in South Africa and beyond, supporting the broader goals of sustainable development.
Launched in 2022, the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is fast becoming a catalyst for innovation within the South African tech community and serves as a model of effective intergovernmental, public and private partnerships that stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The competition particularly encourages applications from women, young entrepreneurs, people from historically disadvantaged communities, and startups aligned with the UN SDGs.
Enquiries:
Thabang Setlhare
Cell: 072 659 9690
E-mail: Thabang.Setlhare@dst.gov.za.
