Apply for Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs in South Africa!

Deadline: 26 April 2017

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in South Africa is currently seeking applications for Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) for SMEs to promote clean technology innovation and supporting SMEs and start-ups working on solutions related to energy efficiency, green buildings, renewable energy, Transportation, waste beneficiation and water efficiency.

Benefits

The programme combines a competition and a business accelerator to offer participants progressing through the programme extensive mentoring, training, access to investors and opportunities to showcase their innovations to the media and the public. Participants stand a chance to win a cash award and national business support awards, in addition to a trip to Silicon Valley, CA, to participate in the Cleantech Open Global Forum.

Eligibility Criteria

Be a start-up company, typically less than 3 years in existence but not yet profitable OR an established SMME as defined by the Small Business Act (No. 102, 1996).
Demonstrate exclusive ownership of Intellectual Property Rights.
Be a two person team, minimum:
- At least one team member must be a South African resident, citizen, or legal alien (proof needs to be provided).
- Applicants may form a brand new team in order to apply to the Programme, and do not need to have a registered company in order to apply. However, a South African legal entity (corporation, Pty (Ltd), or similar) must be created prior to receiving any prizes and any such legal entity must have an ownership structure typical of an independent start-up/SMME.
- Applicant must have a physical address in South Africa, and the team or company must have activities, such as sales, marketing, research and development, or administration, based in South Africa.
All winners must be able to present a valid tax clearance certificate on request in order to qualify for prizes.
All entrants participating in the business coaching and mentoring will be required to sign an indemnity form.
Travel and accommodation costs for semi-finalists to attend mentoring and training programmes are at the cost of the entrant.
Finalists who do not reside in the province where the awards event is held will be provided travel (round trip within South Africa) and accommodation for one person to attend.
Prizes are not intended to subsidise corporate or university projects. The amount and source of any secured capital arrangements should be clearly identified in the team’s application.
Cash prizes may be taxable and the winners must comply with applicable requirements of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The entrants are advised to obtain independent financial advice in this regard.