Johannesburg – Organisers of the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) Inaugural Tech Awards on Thursday announced that applications will open at the beginning of next month, (1 July 2023).
The competition will culminate in the awards gala to be held in Johannesburg on Saturday, 11 November 2023, at Montecasino Ballroom in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The South African Annual Tech for Innovation and Social Impact Awards, soon to become one of the premier annual ICT events in South Africa, will be hosted by the EPF in collaboration with MICT SETA.
The awards gala will take place on Saturday 11 November 2023 at Gallagher State in Midrand, Johannesburg, organisers said.
The South African Annual Tech for Innovation and Social Impact Awards provide a platform for youth, businesses, startups, and innovators to showcase their tech solutions.
EPF said the awards aimed to promote technological innovation, facilitate networking opportunities and provide a platform for market access.
The competition is open to all South African entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who are creating or co-founding innovative and scalable businesses and organisations that will have a significant impact on the advancement of technology in the country.
EPF said entrepreneurs must focus on the following ten areas: Water, Energy, Unemployment, Health, Agriculture, Housing, Education, Rural, Transport, and Security.
“The Annual Tech Awards will give talented youth and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase a wide range of technologies including software technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, FinTech, EduTech, ESH Tech, Data Tech & Property Tech, Virtual Reality, and more,” said Mikhial Mariemuthu, Senior Manager at EPF.
“This annual event will bring together experts, thought leaders, and tech supporters to spark discussions, ignite new ideas, and inspire new innovations that can drive progress and economic growth within industries.”
EPF said it has been pioneering skills development for youth and entrepreneurs in the ICT sector since 2016.
The EPF further said that it recognises and celebrates South African talent and locally developed technologies.
The youth-led EPF is the apex body for technology in South Africa and is tasked with shaping the future of technology in South Africa and its contribution to the economy.
Established to bring South Africa to the forefront of global tech innovation, the EPF strives to maximise the benefits of continued investment in research innovation, ecosystem collaboration, and digital strategies that create new jobs.
12 awards will be presented
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Tech Industry leaders
- NPO/NGO Impact on Social, youth & Innovation
- Global Impact – Foreign companies making an impact in SA
- Outstanding Women in Tech
- Young /Emerging Innovator Award
- Best Tech Solution Award
- Best Tech Start-up Award
- Best Tech Product Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Social Impact Creator (Company/Project)
- Leadership & Community Builder Award
Timeline:
- Open for entries: 01 July 2023
- Closing date for entries: 30 September 2023
- Judging: 01-15 October 2023
- Awards: 11 November 2023
