The Youth Technology Innovation Competition (YTIC) forms part of the broader Youth Technology Innovation Programme (YTIP). It serves as the flagship provincial mechanism for identifying and elevating high-potential youth innovators in the Northern Cape.

If you are building a technology-based solution that solves real problems this opportunity is for you.

Purpose

The competition aims to recruit and identify youth innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 who are developing innovative, technology-based solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to economic growth within the Northern Cape.

It functions as a structured discovery and selection platform that feeds into the National Competition during SAIW 2026.

Who Should Apply?

The competition focuses on:

• Youth innovators aged 18–35
• TVET and university students
• Early-stage entrepreneurs
• Community-based technology innovators
• Individuals or small teams developing technology-enabled solutions

Innovators are encouraged to submit solutions across sectors such as ICT, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, health technologies, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other community-impact areas aligned to TIA sectors.

Competition Structure

The Youth Technology Innovation Competition (YTIC) follows a structured, multi-stage process:

1. Provincial Call for Applications

A province-wide call will attract youth innovators with scalable, technology-based ideas or early prototypes.

2. Screening and Shortlisting

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation
• Feasibility
• Scalability
• Social and economic impact
• Alignment with provincial and national priorities

3. Provincial Pitch Event

Shortlisted innovators will participate in a live pitch session during the Northern Cape activation. Participants will present their solutions before a panel of judges comprising ecosystem experts, industry representatives, and innovation stakeholders.

4. Selection for National Competition

Top-performing innovators from the Provincial Competition will proceed to the National Competition platform during SA Innovation Week 2026 at Johannesburg Expo Centre.

Prize and Support

Winners in the provincial YTIC will advance to the national phase, which takes place during the SA Innovation Week main event.

Post-Competition Support and Pipeline Development

Importantly, the competition is not a stand-alone event. Innovative solutions identified throughout the process will be eligible for further assessment under the final component of YTIP.

Selected innovators may apply for:

• Financial support for technology development
• Non-financial support including mentorship, incubation, business development, and technical advisory services
• Structured support for prototype refinement and pilot readiness

This ensures that promising solutions move beyond recognition and into structured development and commercialisation pathways aligned with TIA’s mandate.

Competition Rules

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must be South African citizens or have Permanent Residency (ID copy required).
• Applicants can apply as an individual or as a team of youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
• All team members must be residents of the Northern Cape.
• Applicants must commit time to programme activities for the duration of the programme.

Exclusions

• Employees of TIA and MKRI and their immediate family members are not eligible.
• Applicants who have previously received or are currently receiving funding from TIA.
• Projects that have received more than R500,000 in prior funding from government sources.
• Ideas currently in commercial production or generating substantial revenue.
• Proposed ideas linked to University or Science Council research work.

Originality Requirement

• All submissions must be the original work of the team.
• Evidence of plagiarism or misrepresentation will result in immediate disqualification.

Minimum Requirements

The proposed solution must be:

• Innovative (new or improved solution)
• Based on technology and aimed at developing a product, process, or service
• Addressing a social or technological problem with market potential
• Technically and financially feasible
• Demonstrating clear social impact
• Clearly articulating market viability

Technology Sectors

Proposals must address a clear problem or opportunity within one of the following sectors:

1. Agriculture & Agro-processing – Smart farming, biotech, food security, sustainable packaging, waste-to-value, precision agriculture.
2. Advanced Manufacturing (Chemicals, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing) – New materials, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing (3D printing), sustainable chemical processes.
3. Health
4. • Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Health Technologies
   • Medical Devices (low-cost diagnostics, telemedicine, maternal health tech, digital health systems)
5. Energy (Green & Renewable Technologies) – Solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage, smart grids, off-grid systems.
6. ICT & Digital Economy – Software solutions, AI & machine learning, fintech, edtech, cybersecurity, IoT, digital platforms for social good.
7. Natural Resource Innovation
8. • Mining & Mineral Beneficiation
   • Water & Sanitation
   • Waste Beneficiation & Circular Economy
9. Space Science & Technology – Satellite data, remote sensing, ground station technology, related software solutions.
10. Industrial Biotech – Biocatalysis, bioprocessing, APIs, omics technologies.
11. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) – African traditional medicines, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, natural product development.

Judging Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts from industry, academia, and government.

Evaluation Domains (100 Points Total)

1. Innovation & Technical Merit (35 points)

• Novelty/Originality
• Technical Feasibility
• Alignment with TIA Sector
• Prototype Potential

2. Impact & Relevance (30 points)

• Economic Potential
• Social/Environmental Impact
• Scalability
• Sustainability

3. Execution Plan (25 points)

• Clarity of Development Plan
• Budget Rationale
• Risk Assessment
• Team Capability

4. Presentation & Communication (10 points)

• Clarity of Proposal
• Pitch Effectiveness

Prizes and Support

Winning proposals will receive:

• Seed Funding – Grant funding of up to R500,000 to develop prototypes
• Mentorship – Direct access to industry experts, technologists, and business mentors
• Support – Placement in a leading provincial innovation hub or incubation programme
• Showcase Opportunity – Presentation at a prestigious awards ceremony during SA Innovation Week
• Pathway to TIA – Exceptional projects may be fast-tracked for further development and commercialisation support

Apply Now

If you are a young innovator in the Northern Cape building a technology solution that can create real impact, this is your opportunity to be discovered, supported, and elevated to the national stage.

Submit your application HERE.