GreenCape, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, invites innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy innovation business ideas to enter the 2025 GreenPitch Challenge. Entries close at noon on 4 July 2025. The digital entry form is online on the 2025 GreenPitch Challenge website: CLICK TO ENTER.
Enter your green economy innovation business idea to stand a chance of pitching to a panel of esteemed judges at a “shark tank-style” hybrid networking event, hosted in Cape Town in September 2025. Network with potential investors, business incubators, local government decision-makers and green economy experts. Prizes, including a cash prize and in-kind business support, are sponsored by RMB Ventures, and Innovate UK with more to be confirmed.
“Our longstanding partnership with the GreenPitch Challenge reflects our commitment to supporting platforms and initiatives that foster innovation across all fields,” said Kwezi Sogoni of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. “We envision a future where bold, market-ready solutions to environmental challenges are encouraged and supported to scale. The GreenPitch Challenge is an essential platform that bridges innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability – and we are proud to continue supporting South Africa’s green economy champions,” he added.
RMB Ventures’ Ewan Gray said: “We are proud to once again be sponsoring the Greenpitch challenge, which stimulates innovation across South Africa in the green economy. We believe in making a positive impact, and it’s been encouraging to see the number of entries increasing every year, showing rising awareness and action when it comes to sustainability.”.
Entry requirement
Your green economy innovation business idea has to be positioned within at least one of the Green Economy sectors – refer to the investment opportunities highlighted in GreenCape’s Market Intelligence Reports. Your business can be based anywhere in South Africa.
Who should enter?
Any green economy Early stage start-up (proof of concept e.g. pilot project running, looking for first round of seed funding) or Pre-growth (registered and trading, with sales – looking for series A funding) phase businesses, based in South Africa. The green economy sector can include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water, sustainable mobility, circular economy and waste management.
Why enter?
Access to the eco-system of green economy support. Prizes, including a cash prize and in-kind business support, are sponsored by RMB Ventures, and Innovate UK, with more to be confirmed. Network with potential investors, business incubators, local government decision-makers and green economy experts. This is the 8th edition of the GreenPitch Challenge – Watch the 2024 highlight video here.
How to enter
Fill out the digital entry form available online here. The digital form allows you to submit a 500-word written motivation.
Key dates
Entries open: 30 May 2025
Entries close: 4 July 2025
Finalists announced: 28 July 2025
Pitch prep workshop with RMB: 1 August 2025 (Cape Town)
Pitching event: 4 September 2025 (Cape Town)
The winners will be selected by a judging panel on the day of the event. Their decision is final.
Terms & conditions apply.
Recommended social media post: GreenCape, in partnership with FNF Africa, invite innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy innovation business ideas to enter the 2025 FNF GreenPitch Challenge: Link to enter – https://sites.google.com/green-cape.co.za/2025fnfgreenpitchchallenge/home
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