Pretoria,15 December 2025: The SA Tech Challenge 2025, held during the opening plenary of the 10th Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) at the CSIR International Convention Centre, recognised six of the country’s most promising tech-driven small, medium and micro enterprises. The challenge, a national initiative led by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is designed to spotlight innovations that directly address South Africa’s social and economic development priorities.
This flagship competition, managed in partnership with the Innovation Bridge, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Technology Innovation Agency, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, and The Innovation Hub, awarded R3 million in grant funding across six winning enterprises. Awards were presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, joined by Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina, CIPC Commissioner Adv. Rory Voller, and CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini.
In her remarks, session moderator Michelle Harding, from the CSIR, confirmed the prize allocations.:
- 1st Place – ROC Water Technologies (R1 000 000)
Converting acid mine drainage into drinking-quality water using freeze crystallisation. - 2nd Place – Kasi Money (R750 000)
A fintech platform delivering digital banking for informal workers. - 3rd Place – Ortho-Design™ (R500 000)
Locally engineered orthopaedic implants and fixation devices. - 4th Place – Snode Technologies (R250 000)
Advanced cybersecurity through real-time threat detection and response. - 5th Place – SweepSouth (R250 000)
A digital marketplace for dignified domestic and home services work. - 6th Place – The Marking App Africa (R250 000)
AI-powered automation of exam marking to reduce teacher workloads.
Following the awards, CSIR Group Executive Kaven Naidoo and DSTI Acting Deputy Director-General Dr Kenny Tenza signed grant agreements with each winner, ensuring formal support for commercialisation and scaling.
The SA Tech Challenge reflects South Africa’s ambition to lead digital innovation on the continent. It also serves as a platform to connect innovators with investors, partners, and policymakers.
About DSTI
The DSTI is the government department tasked with advancing science, technology and innovation to drive inclusive economic growth and improve the quality of life.
About Innovation Bridge
Hosted by the CSIR, the Innovation Bridge is a national portal that connects innovators to funding, markets, and partners to help scale high-impact technologies.