Call for digital and green innovations: Submit your ideas

Johannesburg, 10 Nov 2025

Challenger D&G is an opportunity to build, connect and grow your business.

Context

The climate crisis and sustainability of the planet is no longer a distant threat. It is a current reality affecting ecosystems, economies and everyday life across the globe. From heatwaves and erratic rainfall to rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity, the planet is sounding alarms that cannot be ignored. In southern Africa, these shifts are particularly stark: droughts are deepening, food systems are under threat and vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt.

This dire situation demands urgent action and development of innovative solutions to address these critical challenges. Consequently, the Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) aims to catalyse the development of digital, green and circular innovations that address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in support of:

Climate adaptation and resilience
Food security and sustainable agriculture
Water conservation and renewable energy solutions
Urban mobility and waste management

In response to the European Union’s Multi-Donor “Digital and Green Innovation Action” initiative, Challenger D&G will support up to 25 high-potential start-ups working at the intersection of technology, sustainability and social impact. To qualify, start-ups must address at least one green transition objective (eg, climate adaptation, circular economy, biodiversity protection) and be classified as sustainable, green or circular businesses (or enterprises), defined as follows:

Sustainable businesses focus on reducing the negative impact of their operations on the environment and people in society.
Green businesses provide commercial solutions to environmental challenges that are economically viable and often socially empowering.
Circular businesses focus on creating a closed-loop system where resources are reused and recycled to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency while eliminating or minimising the use of toxic, non-biodegradable chemicals and relying on renewable energy.

Strategic focus areas

Challenger D&G has prioritised innovative solutions in the following focus areas:

Programme outline

We are looking for bold entrepreneurs with early-stage start-ups registered in either South Africa, Namibia or Botswana who are building digital, green and/or circular solutions addressing the strategic focus areas. The programme is structured to help participants refine their business models, strengthen investment readiness and access opportunities to grow their impact.

Delivered by Civitta in collaboration with mLab, GrowthAfrica, Latitude59 and Startup Wise Guys, the programme is part of a broader effort to connect Africa’s innovators with investors, markets and global opportunities.

The Digital and Green Innovation Action is co-funded by the participating Team Europe partners (Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Estonia) and the European Commission. Challenger D&G will support up to 25 start-ups through a virtual acceleration programme between November 2025 and May 2026.

Successful applicants will be supported to attend a compulsory in-person two-day bootcamp to be held in Pretoria/Johannesburg in December 2025.

Benefits of the programme:

Challenger D&G is an opportunity to build, connect and grow your business with the support of leading entrepreneur networks and investors.

By joining, you will:

Strengthen your business model and investment readiness.
Gain access to local and international mentors.
Connect with investors and corporate partners.
Build your visibility through regional and global exposure.
Join a growing network of African start-ups driving digital and green innovation.

What will participating start-ups receive?

The cohort of up to 25 successful start-ups will receive:

Practical business acceleration
A structured learning and support journey covering business model refinement, market access, scaling strategies and leadership.
Expert mentorship
One-on-one and group mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and technical experts from across Africa and Europe.
Investor readiness and connections
Training to refine your fundraising strategy, build a winning pitch and connect with investors seeking digital and green ventures.
Market and visibility opportunities
Access to networks, partnerships and visibility through platforms such as Latitude59.

On a competitive basis:

Between three and six start-ups will be supported to attend a Latitude59 event in Nairobi Kenya from 3-5 December 2025.
Three start-ups will be supported to attend a Latitude59 event in Estonia in May 2026.
The top three start-ups will receive a grant at the end of the programme from a total prize pool of 15 000 euros.

How to apply

Please submit your proposal via the F6S portal.

Applications must include:

An outline of your solution, competitive analysis, unique value proposition, team and intended impact.
An accompanying two-minute pitch video motivating for your selection and outlining how your start-up will benefit from the programme.

Please click here to submit your proposal.

Proposals

Challenger D&G invites start-ups from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana to apply for a transformative journey of growth, networking and mentorship.

The proposed solutions must not be older than five years and must fall within at least one of the priority focus areas.

Preference will be given to those solutions that are at an advanced development stage (between technology readiness levels 4-7) or close to market pilot/entry.

Applicants must clearly articulate how the proposed solution will scale and achieve sustainability.

Proposal outline:

Proposals must be submitted via the F6S portal and cover the following:

A problem statement and quantification of the problem.
Description of the proposed solution, including a brief competitor analysis, highlighting what makes the proposed solution unique, how it will scale and its potential business model.
Given the limited timeframe of this project, clearly articulate the complete route and timelines to market or sustainability for the proposed solution, and what component of that will be achieved within the scope of the programme period. Additionally, outline how you intend completing the project beyond this period.
Measures of success, outcomes and impact that the solution can achieve.
Description of key team members (please include concise CVs).
Project risk analysis and mitigation.
A pitch video no longer than two minutes motivating for your spot in the programme.
Required documents to accompany the proposal.

Queries can be e-mailed to: mamosetse@mlab.co.za

The following documents must accompany your application:

CIPC registration document including shareholding structure (if applicable) 2. Company Profile
Identification document (ID) for the primary contact person
Tax Clearance Certificate

Preference will be given to: Youth, female and/or black-owned enterprises

Selection criteria

Examples of fundable solutions

Strategic focus areas

The D&GIAP has prioritised innovative solutions in the following focus areas:

1. Smart resource management

Water, energy and waste systems are under pressure across southern Africa.