€10,000 Irish Tech Challenge SA applications close on Monday
- Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
Tech startups in South Africa are reminded that the window to enter the Irish Tech Challenge 2025 (ITCSA) is about to close on 4 August 2025.
Five ambitious, post-revenue South African technology startups stand to win up to €10,000 in grant funding and an international immersion in the Irish technology ecosystem in Dublin, Ireland with an opportunity to learn from Irish business mentors on how to scale their businesses internationally.
Startups who qualify are urged to apply in the next four days to grab this rare opportunity.
What is the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025?
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 (ITCSA) is a prestigious partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, South Africa's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and leading innovation hubs Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in South Africa and Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.
The program is designed to identify and nurture high-potential post-revenue South African tech businesses and provide them with the critical skills, networks and resources needed to expand into international markets, particularly Europe.
Successful applicants will embark on a journey focused on three key pillars:
- Collaborate: Immerse in Ireland's world-class tech ecosystem, connecting with industry leaders, potential partners, customers and investors.
- Master: Learn from leading tech professionals and business mentors at Tshimologong Digital Precinct, Dogpatch Labs and the broader Irish tech community.
- Scale: Secure up to €10,000 in grant funding and leverage expert guidance to accelerate business development and international market entry.
"We are delighted with the progress of the 2025 edition of the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa," said Ambassador of Ireland Austin Gormley. "This initiative is part of the strong and growing partnership between Ireland and South Africa in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as well as building a sustainable South Africa.”
Gormley continues: “With over 600 applications already submitted in July, we are confident that this year’s challenge will deliver a more diverse and higher quality cohort than previous editions."
The ITCSA particularly encourages applications from startups focused on solutions aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as ventures led by women, young entrepreneurs and those from historically disadvantaged communities.
Mark Harris, CEO of Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, added, "The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 has consistently proven to be a catalyst for growth for our local innovators.”
“The opportunity to connect with and learn from Ireland's dynamic tech scene, coupled with the incredible support from Dogpatch Labs, provides an invaluable launchpad for global success. We urge all eligible startups to seize this chance to elevate their vision in the next few days and throw their hat in the ring for a chance to join the list of illustrious alumni," he concluded.
The program includes a curated 7-day immersion trip to Ireland where participants have direct interaction with Ireland's tech giants, startup communities and innovation hubs. Previous alumni have benefited significantly from the mentorship, funding and networking opportunities, successfully expanding their reach and impact.
“It has been an intense interrogation of our business working with such world-class talent and expertise, and the Dogpatch ecosystem has really kind of got us to benchmark where our solution is and where our solution could be,” said 2024 alumnus and founder of Creddiple, Kgololo Lekoma.
Applications for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025 are now open and will close 4 August 2025. South African tech startups that are post-revenue (or pre-revenue with developed IP) and looking to scale globally are encouraged to apply.
For more information on eligibility criteria and to submit an application, please visit www.irishtechchallenge.com.
ɳ°ÍÌåÓý¹ÙÍø_ɳ°ÍÌåÓýapp Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, a Wits University entity, is a leading African hub for digital innovation, fostering tech entrepreneurship and developing digital skills for a new generation of innovators.
ɳ°ÍÌåÓý¹ÙÍø_ɳ°ÍÌåÓýapp Dogpatch Labs
Dogpatch Labs is Ireland's leading startup and innovation hub, providing a gateway for startups to access global connections, mentorship, and resources to scale internationally.
Key Partners
- Embassy of Ireland in South Africa
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), South Africa
- Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
- Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
- Dogpatch Labs