Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa

Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs in South Africa (GCIP-SA) is part of a global initiative that aims to address the most pressing energy, environmental and economic challenges of our time through promoting clean technology innovation and supporting Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. Specific areas of focus are energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste beneficiation, water efficiency and green buildings and green transportation.

Each year the GCIP-SA combines an annual competition and a business accelerator programme where SMEs and start-ups are continuously trained, mentored and assessed on their business models, investor pitches, communication and financial skills for the development of a more marketable and investor-attractive product and business.

The programme culminates in the annual gala and awards event, where the winner and two runners-up are announced. Winners are also announced in the following categories:

Women Team Award – formerly Most Promising Woman-led Business
Youth Team Award – formerly Most Promising Youth-led Business
Innovation for Social Impact

In addition to a cash prize and business support, the winning SME also gets an opportunity participate in the Cleantech Open Global Forum in Silicon Valley, USA to join a network of investors and potential partners and compete with winners from other GCIP countries.