The Top 20 Startup Competitions in South Africa You Should Enter 

South Africa has emerged as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, offering numerous opportunities for startups to grow and thrive. If you're an entrepreneur looking to make your mark, participating in startup competitions can provide you with funding, mentorship, and invaluable exposure. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in South Africa that you should consider entering.

1. Startupbootcamp AfriTech

What it is: A leading accelerator program that supports innovative startups across Africa, with a focus on high-growth tech companies.

Why enter: Offers mentorship, funding, and access to a vast network of investors and corporate partners.

2. Seedstars South Africa

What it is: Part of the global Seedstars competition, it seeks to find the best startups in emerging markets and provide them with opportunities for global exposure.

Why enter: International exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to compete in the global finals.

3. SA Innovation Summit

What it is: A premier startup event in South Africa that includes a pitch competition for innovative startups.

Why enter: Provides exposure to investors, media coverage, and opportunities for collaboration with other innovators.

Website: SA Innovation Summit

4. Grindstone Accelerator

What it is: An accelerator program that includes a pitch competition, aimed at scaling high-growth startups in South Africa.

Why enter: Access to mentorship, funding, and a structured growth program.

Website: Grindstone Accelerator

5. Lion's Den

What it is: A popular TV show where startups pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in hopes of securing funding.

Why enter: Significant media exposure, potential investment, and feedback from experienced investors.

6. The Venture by Chivas

What it is: A global competition for social entrepreneurs, providing funding and support for businesses that make a positive impact on society.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete on a global stage.

7. Innovate Durban

What it is: A regional competition in Durban that supports innovative startups with funding and resources.

Why enter: Strong local support, funding opportunities, and access to a growing tech hub.

Website: Innovate Durban

8. SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards

What it is: A competition aimed at identifying and supporting social innovations that address critical challenges in South Africa.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and support for scaling impactful solutions.

Website: SAB Foundation

9. MTN Business App of the Year Awards

What it is: A competition that celebrates the best mobile apps developed in South Africa.

Why enter: Recognition, funding, and opportunities to collaborate with MTN.

Website: MTN Business

10. AlphaCode Incubate

What it is: A program that includes a pitch competition for fintech and insurtech startups, offering funding and mentorship.

Why enter: Access to a specialized network of investors and potential partnerships with financial institutions.

Website: AlphaCode Incubate

11. Hack.Jozi Challenge

What it is: A competition aimed at finding tech solutions to address urban challenges in Johannesburg.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and support from the City of Johannesburg.

12. SEDA Small Business Stars

What it is: A competition by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) to support small businesses in South Africa.

Why enter: Government support, funding, and access to business development resources.

Website: SEDA

13. Fem-In-Tech

What it is: A competition specifically for female entrepreneurs in tech, providing funding and support to scale their businesses.

Why enter: Specialized support for women-led startups, funding, and mentorship.

14. Green City Startup

What it is: A competition for startups with solutions that promote sustainability and green living in urban areas.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with city planners and environmental organizations.

15. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

What it is: A pan-African competition and accelerator program that supports startups across the continent, including South Africa.

Why enter: Extensive mentorship, funding, and a large network of entrepreneurs across Africa.

Website: Tony Elumelu Foundation

16. ENGEN Pitch & Polish

What it is: A competition that travels across South Africa, offering startups the chance to pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback and funding.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and exposure to a national audience.

Website: ENGEN Pitch & Polish

17. Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)

What it is: A global competition for student entrepreneurs, providing funding and support to grow their businesses.

Why enter: International exposure, mentorship, and funding for student-led startups.

Website: GSEA

18. TechTribe Accelerator

What it is: A pan-African accelerator program that includes a pitch competition for tech startups.

Why enter: Access to mentorship, funding, and a network of tech entrepreneurs across Africa.

Website: TechTribe Accelerator

19. Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Program

What it is: A competition and support program for young entrepreneurs in South Africa, offering funding and mentorship.

Why enter: Strong support for youth-led startups, funding, and business development resources.

Website: YES Program

20. Google for Startups Accelerator Africa

What it is: A regional accelerator program that includes a pitch competition, supporting startups with mentorship and resources from Google.

Why enter: Access to Google's resources, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities for global expansion.

Website: Google for Startups

Conclusion

Participating in startup competitions is a fantastic way to gain exposure, secure funding, and build a network of supporters and mentors. South Africa offers a diverse range of competitions that cater to different industries and stages of business development. Whether you're a tech startup, a social entrepreneur, or a student with a groundbreaking idea, these competitions provide the perfect platform to take your business to the next level. Prepare your pitch, refine your business model, and get ready to make the most of these exciting opportunities in 2024.