GCIP AWARDS CELEBRATE INNOVATIONS TO PROPEL SA TO A GREEN ECONOMY

South Africa, alongside numerous nations globally, is actively tackling the hurdles posed by climate change and striving for environmental sustainability. The ramifications of climate change, spanning droughts, floods, and environmental degradation, emphasize the pressing need for innovative solutions. In this vein, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), under the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has been leading the charge in supporting and acknowledging innovators within the cleantech sector.

On March 27, 2024, TIA, as an executing partner of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme South Africa (GCIP-SA), unveiled the victors of the 2023/24 GCIP-SA competition. The ceremony, held in Pretoria, honored and commended startups, innovators, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) within the cleantech realm.

GCIP-SA, executed in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and bolstered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has offered crucial assistance to startups through business acceleration training, mentorship, networking, and access to funding, propelling innovative solutions to combat climate change challenges. This year’s cohort of finalists has introduced promising innovations in various domains, including the circular economy, water efficiency, energy, waste beneficiation, transportation, advanced materials, chemicals, and green buildings. These innovations play a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable economy while curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Matsi Modise, Chairperson of the TIA Board, stated, “Today, we celebrate our nation’s inspiring innovators. They view challenges as opportunities to devise creative solutions. At TIA, we take pride in being part of their journey toward global impact. Our innovators hail from diverse backgrounds, many from humble origins. This demonstrates that innovation can emerge from any corner, and the solutions they present tonight aid in addressing our daily challenges.”

The grand prize winner of the GCIP-SA 2023/24 is Charnte Marthinus, recognized for her Smart-View Utility Management solution, a critical tool for industrial and commercial utilities delivering precise real-time data on water usage. Smartview Technology’s solutions aim to significantly slash carbon emissions and utility waste, fostering economic benefits by trimming operational costs for businesses. This innovation advances environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic savings, aligning with global sustainability objectives.

As the ultimate winner, Charnte received a cash prize and will join winners from partner nations at the GCIP Cleantech Days Forum in Vienna this June, where the global champion will be chosen.

Other winners on the night were: 

Runner up 1: Eric Khoza of Tyrec

Runner up 2: Santoosh Maharaj of Green Coffee

Runner up 3: Lesley Mukwada of The Chemistry Solutions Company

In addition to the winners, special awards were presented to finalists who excelled in various areas. 

Innovation for Social Impact: Pheladi Chiloane, Sola4Africa 

Best Woman-led Team: Tumi Frazier, 4th Wave Tech (PTY)Ltd 

Most Promising Youth led Team: Charnte Marthinus, Smartview Technology

Most Improved Semi-finalist: Nonhlanhla Nkosi, PowerHike Solar Technologies

“The entrepreneurs gathered here today are truly exceptional. In South Africa alone, since the start of the programme we have received over 800 applications, yet this group before us has successfully risen above the competition. The mentors have played a crucial role in guiding these innovators toward perfecting their innovations, and we can only wish that tonight’s innovators come back as mentors for the next group of finalists in the next round,” said Mr Vusi Skosana, Executive: Innovation Enabling, TIA.