Enter now for the 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge

Call for entries: 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge

Enter online here: CLICK

The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, supported by GreenCape in partnership with the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions), invite innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy innovation business in Mpumalanga to enter the first Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge. Entries close on Friday 22 September.

“The UK in South Africa is delighted to support the Green Solutions Pitch Challenge in Mpumalanga. Identifying and supporting entrepreneurs with new and exciting green business ventures can help create new jobs and economic opportunities and contribute to a genuinely just transition. It is part of a range of wider efforts being developed with the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to support economic growth opportunities in Mpumalanga. The UK has supported the establishment of the Cluster and committed funding to support its activities for a further two years,” said British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson.

Entrepreneurs are invited to enter their green economy pre-venture (Ideation, conceptual) or early stage start-up (proof of concept e.g. pilot project running, looking for first round of seed funding) phase solutions to stand a chance of pitching to a panel of esteemed judges at a “shark tank-style” hybrid networking event, hosted in Mpumalanga on 1 November 2023. They will have the opportunity to network with potential investors, business incubators, local government decision-makers and green economy experts. 

Entry requirements

• The green economy solution needs to be based in Mpumalanga.
• The green economy solution needs to be either in the pre-venture (Ideation, conceptual) or early stage start-up (proof of concept e.g. pilot project running, looking for first round of seed funding) phase of businesses.
• The solution needs to be applicable to one or more of the green economy sectors: Renewable energy, sustainable mobility, sustainable agriculture, water and sanitation, circular economy. 

Who should enter?

Pre-venture (Ideation, conceptual) or early stage start-up (proof of concept e.g. pilot project running, looking for first round of seed funding) stage green economy solutions based in Mpumalanga.

Why enter?

Access to the eco-system of green economy support. Prizes, including a cash prize and in-kind business support. More details to follow. Network with potential investors, business incubators, local government decision-makers and green economy experts.

How to enter

Fill out the digital entry form available online here.

The winner will be selected by a judging panel on the day of the event. Their decision is final.

Terms & Conditions apply.

Key dates

Entries open: Thursday 17 August 2023

Entries close: Friday 22 September 2023

Finalists workshop: Thursday 12 October 2023

Pitch day: Wednesday 1 November 2023

Ends

Notes to editors

About the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency: The Mpumalanga Green Cluster is a not for profit organisation registered in South Africa. The Cluster uses the triple helix cluster model with representation from Government, Industry and Academia as part of its design set up. The cluster works at the interface between business, government and academia in order to identify and remove barriers to economically viable green economy catalysing their uptake to enable the region and its citizens to prosper. Mpumalanga is a world leading region in creating decent, green jobs by creating the enabling environment for new investments in low carbon growth. The Mpumalanga Green Cluster agency’s board of directors are Dr. Thembakazi Mali (Board Chairperson), Dr. Bongiwe Mcata and Mr. Nathaniel Sebitso, Ms. Lauren Hermanus and Dr. Rethabile Melamu, with Mr. Nkosinathi Nkonyane serving as the CEO (a). Read more here.

Issued by on behalf of: The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency

For media inquiries please contact media@mpumalangagreencluster.co.za