Open call: Incubation programme for early-stage entrepreneurs

The programme is a joint partnership between the French Embassy in South Africa and Wits University Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. It will run from July 2026 to March 2027 and is expected to select between 8 and 15 start-ups.

It targets entrepreneurs working at the intersection of climate technology and digital innovation, with a focus on scaling solutions that address environmental and development challenges.

Programme overview

• Duration: 9 months (July 2026 – March 2027)
• Cohort size: 8–15 early-stage ventures
• Format: incubation support for cleantech and digital start-ups
• Location requirement: participation includes a final Demo Day in Johannesburg (March 2027)

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
• Founding team commitment: At least one founder must be working full-time on the venture
• Focus area: Businesses must operate at the intersection of green/climate technology and digital innovation
• Stage of development:
  • Pre-revenue with a working prototype or minimum viable product (MVP), or
  • Revenue-generating for less than five years
• Geography: Registered in South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi
• Ownership: At least 51% owned by citizens or permanent residents of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Must address at least one of the following: SDG 7, 9, 11, 12 or 13
• Availability: At least one founder must be available for 8–12 hours per month and attend Demo Day in Johannesburg
• Language: At least one founder must be proficient in English, the working language of the programme

Who should apply?

The organisers are looking for visionary founders building the next generation of sustainable technology in the Southern African region.

• Early-stage Greentech entrepreneurs
• Solutions leveraging digital technology for environmental benefits
• Women-Led ventures highly encouraged to apply
• Business Headquartered in South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi

Application deadline

• 20 May 2026 (23:59 SAST)

The programme is positioned as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate-focused innovation ecosystems in the region by combining technical support, entrepreneurial development and cross-border collaboration.

View the original call here.

Contributors: Portia Haraba and Wandile Moloi