The 16th edition of the SA Innovation Summit (SAIS) will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday September 19 and Friday September 20 under the theme “Catalysing Capital”.
The summit aims to drive transformative growth in Africa’s innovation ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with investors, fostering cross-border collaborations, and unlocking new financial pathways for start-up businesses.
The two-day event is set to attract a diverse group of stakeholders, including innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, all focused on advancing the continent’s economic development through innovation.
The summit will feature a line-up of speakers and participants from around the world.
Buntu Majaja, CEO of SA Innovation Summit, said the event was more than just about showcasing African innovation, but also about creating pathways for growth.
“We have a unique platform that connects startups with investors managing over $2 billion (R35 bn) in assets to explore innovative financing solutions tailored to African start-ups. These include options such as blended financing, crowdfunding, green bonds, and impact investing. Catalysing capital on the continent will accelerate the innovation ecosystem and connect local entrepreneurs to global resources and investors.”
New features this year include dedicated pitch stages for climate-tech and deep tech startups, specialised workshops on innovative financing models, and a focus on blended finance.
Patrick Krappie, acting CEO of the Technology Innovation Agency said partnerships such as these present opportunities to expand available resources within the ecosystem to benefit not just startups but also the country’s innovation landscape.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the hosting the summit aligns with the City’s goals to attract investment, highlight the innovation ecosystem, and serve as a central hub to boost and sustain ecosystem development.
For more information about the summit and ticket prices, visit www.innovationsummit.co.za
