The Pitching Den competition opens for entries

Summit director, Audrey Verhaeghe, says “We’re excited about the level of innovation displayed,” adding “The competitions are a big part of the Summit, with finalists and winners exposed to a large number of investors and incubators. While finalists also take part in the Market on the Edge and stand to win incredible prizes.” This year also introduces the Match and Invest platform where entrepreneurs can pitch to investors directly in order to secure funding for their growing business.

Pitching Den competition

This competition is open to high-growth start-ups, established companies and large corporates who are driving innovation on the African continent. The overall winners will be announced at an Award Ceremony and stand a chance to win an overseas trip to meet international investors at Slush, a Finnish Innovation Conference supported by TEKES, PR exposure worth R200,000, the opportunity for IP consultation from Spoor & Fisher, matching-making and acceleration, and more.

Through their respective Social Innovation platforms, the SAB Foundation will support the best Social Innovation with a prize worth R50,000. The Innovation Edge will be looking for opportunities to invest up to R1m in ideas that have the potential to radically change the early life experiences of children, giving the best possible start in life right from the start. In addition to funding, the Innovation Edge could offer innovators with promising ideas the chance to attend a week-long incubation bootcamp offered by {code}bridge in Cape Town.

Entries to the Pitching Den are made online. Finalists will be invited to pitch their business to a well-rounded panel of judges at the main conference.

Inventor’s Garage Competition

This competition is open to anyone with a working prototype or product from proven concept to early commercialisation – whether a kitchen or garage inventor, a business or a seasoned innovator.

The first round of judging will then take place and those selected as semi-finalists will be invited to showcase their products or prototypes at the SA Innovation Summit’s exciting Market on the Edge. This will guarantee massive exposure, advice, mentorship and possible deal-making. The second round of judging happens at the Market on the Edge with initial entries also received online.

Both Competitions close on 30 July 2016.

Match-making and International Exposure

The Market on the Edge is expected to attract many visitors; entry is free to SA Innovation Summit conference delegates, and open to the public, at R80 per ticket.

The SA Innovation Summit main conference takes place this year from 21 – 24 September at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Johannesburg. With little more than three months to go, preparations are underway for what promises to be a stimulating, informative and game-changing event.

Sponsors for the event include Tekes, SAB Foundation, The Innovation Edge and Spoor & Fischer.

For more information about the competitions, visit http://innovationsummit.co.za/%20competition/ or email az.oc.timmusnoitavonni@snoititepmoc.