Youth Innovation Challenge

The Youth Innovation Challenge is about identifying early-stage, high-impact Afrocentric and technology-driven solutions for the challenges in food security, health, environmental affairs, and social development. This challenge targets unemployed youth (including graduates), young professionals and students (from EDHE intervarsity and Allan Gray Inter-college competitions)

National Reach. Local Impact.

The YIC is rolled out across the country during the Youth Entrepreneurship Tour, where regional pitch competitions are held to spotlight local innovation talent. From these regional rounds, 50 prospective innovators are selected to move forward as candidates for the highly competitive Emerging 30 Innovators Programme a capacity-building and enterprise development track designed to elevate youth-led innovation from concept to impact.

Innovation Rooted in African Realities

At the core of YIC is a commitment to Afrocentric innovation solutions that are contextually relevant and grounded in the realities of the African continent. The challenge is inclusive of both digital and non-digital innovations, provided they offer clear, practical approaches to solving real-world problems. Whether it’s a mobile app transforming healthcare access or a community-driven solution improving agricultural efficiency, YIC is about real impact, real ideas, and real change.

A Launchpad for Emerging Innovators

Participation in the Youth Innovation Challenge is more than a pitch—it is an entry point into a robust development pipeline. Selected innovators receive exposure to tailored support including mentorship, prototype refinement, market validation, and pitch readiness training. Innovators also benefit from access to strategic partners, industry stakeholders, and investors aligned with their area of impact.

Be Part of the Movement

The YIC is a platform for youth to not only dream big but to also build boldly. It brings together ambition, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy to shape the future of South Africa through innovation. If you have a bold idea with the potential to drive social or economic transformation, the Youth Innovation Challenge is where your journey begins.