Reflecting on a Powerful Week of Innovation and Impact!
Last week, the GCIP South Africa 2025 Business Clinics brought together 40 exceptional cleantech semi-finalists for an intensive week of learning, mentorship, and strategy turning ideas into investable, scalable green businesses.
Under the guidance of industry experts and mentors, participants refined their approaches in key areas like financing, product development, intellectual property, marketing, and sustainability taking their solutions from vision to viable ventures.
As Vusi shared in his opening remarks:
“Your work is not just about a pitch or a competition; it’s about creating viable businesses that tackle profound national and global challenges.”
A huge thank you to all the innovators, mentors, and partners who made this week a success, your passion and commitment are shaping the future of South Africa’s green economy.
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The GCIP South Africa Gala 2025, hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in partnership with UNIDO, marked the culmination of another successful year of empowering South African innovators advancing the green economy.
Held under the theme “Innovating for Impact: Building a Sustainable Future,” the gala celebrated entrepreneurs and startups using science, technology, and creativity to address pressing environmental challenges while creating jobs and inclusive economic growth.
South Africa showcased solutions in renewable energy, waste management, water efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. Their work reflects a growing national commitment to innovation that drives sustainability and competitiveness.
Awards were presented to innovators demonstrating outstanding environmental, social, and economic impact, including:
Keynote speakers from the Department of Science and Innovation, TIA, and UNIDO reaffirmed their dedication to supporting South Africa’s clean technology ecosystem. The gala emphasized that green innovation is not just about technology—it’s about people, partnerships, and shared purpose.
The event concluded with a renewed call to scale up support for entrepreneurs who are turning sustainable ideas into viable businesses, helping position South Africa as a continental leader in cleantech innovation.
As we stand at the crossroads of climate change and economic opportunity, I believe Africa’s greatest potential lies in its ability to innovate for sustainability. Across the continent, visionary entrepreneurs are transforming challenges from energy access to waste management, into thriving businesses that drive inclusive growth.
Through the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP South Africa), we are supporting the next generation of innovators building solutions that protect our planet while powering our economy.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing weekly insights and reflections on GreenTech, ClimateTech, and CleanTech, exploring how African entrepreneurs are leading the charge toward a cleaner, smarter, and more equitable future.
Together, let’s celebrate the thinkers, builders, and dreamers redefining what’s possible. Switch On with Me and Global Cleantech Innovation Programme GCIP-SA
