About AgriTourZA

The Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP) aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems at sub-national levels through innovation challenges in partnership with regional partners. In 2021, mLab received RISP funding from the Department of Science and Innovation, through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to establish the first Agri-Tech and Travel-Tech innovation platform in Limpopo, also known as AgriTourZA.

The first and second phases of the AgritourZA Limpopo Innovation Platform have successfully provided business and technology development support to 40 early-stage start-ups to solve problems for the agriculture and tourism sectors using technology and innovation. In addition, 7  skilled developers who graduated from mLab’s CodeTribe Academy were recruited to design and develop 36 digital MVPs (minimal viable products) and 8 applications for the winning finalists. The first phase of AgriTourZA demonstrated much success in the demo day of the platform. 

The next phase (Phase 3), on which this proposal is based, is to continue with the momentum created in phases 1 and 2, that is to expand the reach of AgriTourZA.

The mentorship call for applications

We are looking for mentors from the agricultural, business, tourism, and tech sectors to provide guidance, knowledge, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups.

Mentor Responsibilities:

1. Commit to a minimum of six months of active mentorship engagement with an assigned startup.
2. Share knowledge, expertise, and experiences related to the agricultural, business, tourism, or tech sectors.
3. Provide guidance and support to startups in areas such as product development, market validation, business strategy, marketing, and fundraising.
4. Help startups identify and overcome challenges through strategic advice and problem-solving.
5. Assist in expanding the startups’ networks by making introductions and facilitating connections with potential partners, investors, and customers.
6. Participate in mentorship sessions, including one-on-one meetings, group workshops, and networking events, both in-person and virtually.
7. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism throughout the mentorship relationship.

Mentor Qualifications:

1. Extensive experience and expertise in the agricultural, business, tourism, or tech sectors.
2. A track record of success and achievements in relevant industries.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Passion for supporting early-stage startups and contributing to the growth of the Limpopo community.
5. Willingness to commit time and effort to mentorship activities.
6. An open and collaborative mindset, willing to share knowledge and insights with startup founders.

Mentor Benefits:

1. Opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and success of early-stage startups in Limpopo.
2. Access to innovative ideas, technologies, and emerging trends in the Agri-Tech and Travel-Tech sectors.
3. Networking opportunities with other mentors, industry experts, and startup ecosystem stakeholders.
4. Recognition as a mentor within the AgriTourZA Limpopo Innovation Programme and the wider community.
5. Satisfaction with contributing to the development and economic prosperity of the Limpopo entrepreneurial ecosystem.
6. Potential for future collaborations, partnerships, or investment opportunities with mentored startups.

Application Process:

1. Interested individuals can submit their applications by completing the online mentor application form embedded here.
2. The applications will be reviewed by the AgriTourZA team, and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
3. The interview will assess the candidates’ qualifications, experience, availability, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
4. Successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the Mentorship Programme and will be matched with suitable startups.
5. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, as we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and knowledge to drive innovation and growth.

APPLICATION FORM