Call for Applications – Western Cape Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC)

The Western Cape stands at the forefront of South Africa’s renewable energy transition, with strong wind corridors, high solar irradiance, established agri-processing value chains, and growing pressure on grid resilience. TIA through its NCIC Program invites innovators to submit pilot-ready, scalable solutions that integrate solar, wind, and biomass systems, optimise energy efficiency, and strengthen decentralised energy infrastructure across the urban and rural contexts.

We are seeking technically validated solutions with clear pathways to implementation within Western Cape Municipalities, Industrial zones, ports, and agricultural systems.

Proposals must demonstrate commercial viability, measurable impact, and readiness for piloting. We are not looking for early-stage concepts, research-only ideas, or untested technologies without a clear deployment pathway.

Successful applicants can access between R1m–R15m in pilot funding, with up to R160m in blended follow-on capital being raised to support scale.

Applications are now open
Apply here: https://ncic-sa.org⁠

TIACleantech

GCIP-SA

RenewableEnergy

Innovation

WesternCape #EnergyTransition #Entrepreneurship

NCIC

StartUpCultureWesternCape

GreenEconomy

www.asher-group.co.za

Closing date: 1 April 2026

Official Announcement: 4IRI Partners with NCIC, TIA and the Department of Science and Technology

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
South African National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) 2026

The South African National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) 2026 was officially launched on 5 February 2026 and is now open for applications.

NCIC is South Africa’s flagship platform for identifying, testing, and scaling high-impact cleantech solutions that respond to the South Africas most pressing environmental, economic, and industrial challenges while positioning locally developed innovations for continental and global relevance.

Call for Applications

We invite innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and solution developers working across the cleantech value chain to apply.

NCIC 2026 at a glance:

9 Provinces | 9 Strategic Cleantech Challenges
Solution and Business model pilots with real-world implementation
Up to R15 million in Seed Investment and Technical Assistance for high-potential solutions
Up to R160 million in impact and follow-on funding for scalable proof-of-concepts
Pathways to regionsal, national deployment and international market access

What NCIC Offers

A structured, challenge-driven innovation framework
Access to industry, public sector, and investment partners
Technical, commercial, and regulatory support
Pilot opportunities aligned to real market demand
A clear pipeline from proof-of-concept to scale

Who Should Apply

Early-stage and growth-stage cleantech ventures
University spin-outs and research-led innovations
Engineers, technologists, and applied researchers
Entrepreneurs developing solutions in energy, water, food systems, mobility, waste, climate resilience, green materials, and related fields

Strategic Intent
NCIC is designed to:

De-risk early-stage cleantech innovation
Accelerate commercially viable climate solutions
Strengthen South Africa’s cleantech entrepreneur pipeline
Contribute meaningfully to Africa’s just and inclusive transition

Applications are now open – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EZP_cxNdpFPnnGjINVkZF9gyG_rzsi42/view?usp=drivesdk

Innovators with scalable, high-impact cleantech solutions are encouraged to apply and be part of a national platform shaping the future of sustainable industry and climate resilience.

Build locally | Scale globally |Solve real problems.

Clean Tech challenge contact details for Western Cape region: sidney@4iri.co.za
Office number: (010) 109-1769

Join Our Incubation Programme: Empowering ICT Innovation in Mpumalanga!

Are you an SMME or startup in the ICT sector based in Mpumalanga with groundbreaking ideas in AI, IoT, Robotics, Advanced Engineering, Cleantech, Cybersecurity, or Data Analytics? Our Incubation Programme is designed to propel your venture forward!

Successful applicants will benefit from:

Business Development skills & Management training
Funding Opportunities
Technical Support for your MVP

Requirements: SA citizens, business strategy/profile, registered company (with tax clearance and ID copies of directors), or affidavit for dormant companies.

How to Apply: Submit your Business profile, Pitch deck, and Idea validation document.

Deadline: 15 November 2025

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with expert guidance and support. Apply today!

Email your applications to: olwethu@4iri.co.za or karabo.mtimkulu@4iri.co.za

Join the 4IRI Fourth Industrial Revolution Incubator: Cyber Security Defense Programmes

Are you a Post-Graduate with skills in Cyber Security, Software Development, or IT equivalent to NQF Level 4/5 and above? Embark on a transformative journey with 4IRI Fourth Industrial Revolution Incubator and enhance your expertise in the field of cyber security.

About Us: 4IRI is a pioneering incubator committed to fostering the next generation of tech leaders. With state-of-the-art centre in Cape Town, we offer unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in cutting-edge cybersecurity defense programs.

Program Details:
• Duration: 12 months
• Qualification: Cyber Security Defense Programmes (NQF Level 4)
• Experience: Gain hands-on experience in an actual Security Centre
• Location: Cape Town
• Absorption Potential: High potential for employment upon successful completion

Who Should Apply: We are seeking driven and passionate Post -Graduates who possess:
• Cyber Security Skills
• Software Development Skills
• IT Skills equivalent to NQF Level 4/5 and above

Why Join Us:
• Real-World Experience: Work in a live security environment, tackling real cyber threats.
• Skill Development: Enhance your technical and professional skills with guidance from industry experts.
• Career Growth: Benefit from high absorption potential, paving the way for a secure and prosperous career in cyber security.

How to Apply: Send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant skills and experience to . Please include “Cyber Security Defense Programmes Application” in the subject line.

Contact Details: Telephone: 010 109 1769
Email: naomi@4iri.co.za

Application Deadline: 26/07/2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your career in cyber security with 4IRI. Join us and become a part of the revolution in cyber defense!
4IRI Fourth Industrial Revolution Incubator Cape Town

Celebrating the Success of Our Software Engineering Internship Program

We are thrilled to share the incredible journey and achievements of our Software Engineering Internship Program, which ran from June 2023 to May 2024. Working with these bright and innovative minds has been an absolute pleasure, and we are immensely proud of all they have accomplished.

Program Highlights

During this intensive program, our interns explored a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and disciplines, including:

Mobile App Development: Crafting seamless, user-friendly applications.
Web Development: Building responsive, dynamic websites.
Unity Development (Gaming): Creating immersive, engaging games.
Networking & SD WAN: Ensuring robust, secure communication networks.
Blockchain: Exploring decentralized technologies and their real-world applications.
Artificial Intelligence: Developing intelligent systems and solutions.
Frontend and Backend Development: Mastering both client-side and server-side programming.
Low Code, No Code to Extensive Coding: Utilizing a spectrum of development approaches.

In addition to these technical skills, our interns also enhanced their soft skills, including effective presentation techniques and comprehensive training in all aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Achievements

We are delighted to announce that our interns have earned prestigious certifications from industry leaders such as Cisco, IBM, and 4IRI. These certifications reflect their hard work, dedication, and the high-quality training they received throughout the program.

Gratitude and Future Prospects

As we bid farewell to this cohort, we celebrate their successes and look forward to their remarkable contributions to the tech world. The knowledge and skills they have acquired will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for their future careers.

Thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to this program. Your commitment and passion have made this journey unforgettable.

Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from our community.

4IR 4IRI 4IRSkills Alumni ICT SoftwareDevelopment