Startup Knight Competition for software based companies

Started by Byte Orbit, the competition has attracted top sponsors assisting companies that can produce a software product. The competition, which opened on 1 October 2012, closes for entries on 25 October, when 15 finalists will be required to pitch to a judging panel at Byte Orbit Offices in Durbanville, Cape Town on 3 November. The results of the winner will be announced on the evening of 3 November at a venue in Cape Town.

Prizes

• The grand prize, sponsored by Byte Orbit, is software development to the value of R100 000 and ongoing mentorship. The company will take a small equity stake in the winning business and subsequently support it on an ongoing basis, leveraging nine years of industry experience to increase its ability to succeed.
  
• Microsoft will provide software packages for the winning start-up to run the business for three years and US$60 000 worth of Azure Services
  
• Bandwidth Barn will be providing office space for six months
  
• Nokia has come on board as a product sponsor
  
• 8ta will be providing a 3G data modem loaded with its 60 Gig + 60 Gig offering

Byte Orbit pride itself on being the first software development company in South Africa to offer such an opportunity to young and innovative tech entrepreneurs. Amit Ramdath, CEO of Byte Orbit says, "We would like to extend a challenge to other established technology based companies to identify and incubate innovative entrepreneurs in South Africa."

Judges

The judging panel will consist of:

• Amit Ramdath, CEO of Byte Orbit
  
• Anthony Stonefield, head of ecosystem at Nokia
  
• Kethan Parbhoo, equity equivalent lead at Microsoft
  
• Amith Maharaj, MD of 8ta
  
• Charl Normann, MD of Bandwidth Blog/OnNet
  
• Martin Ras, MD of Ching Payments

The competition's media sponsor is Bandwidth Blog and mentorship and marketing assistance will be provided by Ching Payments.

Participants can enter online at www.byteorbit.com.