City of Joburg offers R5m for Jozi digital innovators

25th February 2016 By: Creamer Media Reporter

City of Joburg offers R5m for Jozi digital innovators

Photo by: Bloomberg

The City of Johannesburg, with the support of the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering, is offering up to R1-million for the winner of the second Hack.Jozi challenge in support of fostering the skills, innovation and entrepreneurship of start-ups in the digital technology space.

Two runners up would each receive R350 000, while the top 100 contestants would be offered after-hours entrepreneurship and business training to help them refine the digital ideas that can transform their community.

“We aim to accelerate visionary entrepreneurs in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. This is important because ICT is central to improved productivity, economic growth and job creation,” explained Gauteng Economic Development executive director Ravi Naidoo.

Johannesburg-based applicants had until March 25 to submit their ideas for addressing challenges in the categories of economic development, smart infrastructure, public spaces/tourism and general.

The winners would be selected after two elimination rounds and be hosted and mentored in Johannesburg’s digital innovation hub, in Braamfontein, where they would have access to various resources, mentors, advisers and potential business partners.

The top 20 selections would be offered additional business mentorship, while the top ten would receive a one-year membership of the ICT Hub in Braamfontein.