Deadline: August 4, 2025
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 is back with another exciting opportunity for growth-stage, impact-driven South African tech startups. This transformative initiative seeks to empower local ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering funding, international exposure, and strategic mentoring opportunities through a strong partnership between South African and Irish innovation ecosystems.
About the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 is led by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa in partnership with Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Dogpatch Labs Ireland.
The Challenge supports post-revenue South African startups, with a strong focus on those leveraging technology to address social or environmental challenges. It also places a premium on inclusion—encouraging applications from women, youth, and historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits
Selected startups will receive:
- Grant funding of up to €10,000 per startup
- A fully sponsored Immersion Week in Dublin, Ireland
- Access to a global network of investors, business mentors, and tech industry leaders
- Tailored pitch coaching and mentorship sessions
- Visits to leading Irish tech campuses and innovation hubs
The Immersion Week is hosted by Dogpatch Labs, Ireland’s top tech incubator. This experience offers in-depth masterclasses, personalised support, and cross-border partnership development, providing founders with the resources to scale internationally.
Focus Areas & Eligibility
This challenge specifically targets post-revenue South African tech startups that demonstrate:
- Alignment with one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Strong potential for scalability and international impact
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Solutions in climate-tech, edtech, health-tech, fintech, or other SDG-related sectors
Startups must be impact-driven and preferably led by diverse or underrepresented founders.
Previous Editions: Success in Numbers
The 2024 edition received over 350 applications, with seven startups selected, including SmartView Technology, The Awareness Company, Momint, Athena, AdBot, Samanjalo, and Credipple.
Each of these ventures received €10,000 and travelled to Ireland for an intensive programme featuring mentorship, pitch practice, investor meetings, and cross-sector learning experiences.
How to Apply
Applications for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 are expected to open soon.
Keep an eye on the Tshimologong Precinct website and social media platforms for the latest updates.
For inquiries, email: irishtechchallenge@tshimologong.joburg
Why You Should Apply
By participating in the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025, founders gain access to:
- Funding that can help scale operations
- Mentorship from leading Irish and global entrepreneurs
- A gateway into the European tech ecosystem
- Exposure on international platforms
This programme is more than just an acceleration opportunity—it’s a bridge between South Africa and one of the world’s most dynamic tech hubs.
Need help crafting a winning application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
