Businesses already turning waste into products, reducing resource use or developing circular economy solutions can now apply for the 2026 Circular Innovation Challenge, with the winning business eligible for a R250,000 investment.
The challenge is aimed at established circular economy businesses across Southern Africa that are ready to grow and scale their impact, rather than early-stage ideas. It is looking for businesses that are already reducing waste, retaining material value or contributing to regenerative economic systems.
Previous winners have included businesses turning river waste into coasters and garden stakes, recycling defunct solar panels, and enabling township customers to buy exact quantities of goods using reusable containers.
The 2026 challenge will give finalists opportunities to connect with investors, policymakers, partners and potential markets, while also providing opportunities to test and develop their businesses within the V&A Waterfront ecosystem.
Finalists will have the opportunity to present at the ninth Market Systems Symposium in Cape Town from 20 to 22 October, hosted by the Vikāra Institute.
The V&A Waterfront says the challenge differs from a conventional pitch competition because finalists can potentially test their solutions within a precinct that already operates several circular economy initiatives.
These include a harbour net recycling facility at Collier Jetty, which processes end-of-life fishing nets into plastic flakes for reuse, as well as an on-site waste recovery and recycling centre. The precinct also composts hundreds of tonnes of organic waste each month.
The V&A Waterfront's Circular Maker Space, a 1,000m² facility launched with the Craft and Design Institute at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, provides designers and entrepreneurs with access to equipment for manufacturing products from recycled materials.
“Circularity isn’t an abstract commitment for us – it’s built into our harbour, our retail leases and our public spaces,” says Graham Wood, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
“We’re constantly testing what a circular precinct looks like in practice, and the Circular Innovation Challenge lets us open that same testing ground to entrepreneurs building the next generation of circular businesses.”
The challenge is presented by Solve with the support of the V&A Waterfront and in partnership with the Vikāra Institute.
Eligible applicants include businesses operating in agriculture, manufacturing, food systems, construction, fashion and textiles, packaging, energy, technology, and waste and resource management.
Applications close on 20 September 2026. Apply here.
