Applications are open for the Plastics Innovation & Circularity Challenge 2023. With the support of the UK South Africa -Tech Hub, an initiative of the UK Government, SOLVE@Waterfront, and OceanHub Africa are calling for innovative solutions to address plastic issues in South Africa.

This challenge is for you if you are based in South Africa, and have developed an innovative business/technological solution to problem plastics, such as:

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• Technologies/systems to increase the rate of plastic collection.
• Technologies/behavior change to facilitate the separation of waste after use or at the source.
• A solution to better manage low-value plastics (single-use plastics, multi-layered packaging) through reuse and recycling.
• Digital technology to address plastic pollution (e.g. behaviour change, reduction of the use of plastics, collection/sorting, recycling, tracking system).
• And any other innovation that could stop the leakage of plastic into the ocean.
• A prototype of any of the above, which you are ready to test.

Prizes from Plastics Innovation & Circularity Challenge

Finalists will

• Be awarded R175,000 to further develop your innovation and business
• Be featured on the partners’ websites and their social media channels
• Have a chance to pitch in front of investors and other stakeholders during the leading African event on ocean-impact innovation, Ocean Innovation Africa Summit
• Automatically secure admission in OceanHub Africa’s 2023-2024 cohort, 1st Pan-African accelerator programme designed to support blue entrepreneurs

Runners-up will

• Be awarded R25,000 to further develop your innovation and business
• Be featured on the partners’ websites and their social media channels
• Have a chance to pitch in front of investors and other stakeholders during the leading African event on ocean-impact innovation, Ocean Innovation Africa Summit
• Automatically secure admission in OceanHub Africa’s 2023-2024 cohort, 1st Pan-African accelerator programme designed to support blue entrepreneurs

Eligibility for Plastics Innovation & Circularity Challenge

You are eligible if

• Your startup is contributing to plastic circularity;
• You are an incorporated for-profit and operate in South Africa;
• You are a scalable service or product currently or soon to be available on the market;
• Your product or service is clearly innovative and/or your business model is disruptive;
• You are looking to grow your economic, social, and environmental impact.

Selection Criteria for Plastics Innovation & Circularity Challenge

• Impact & vision
  • How much impact will your innovation have on the plastic value chain and its circularity?
  • How much is environmental and/or social impact embedded into South African context and/or part of your long-term goals?
  • Potential for employment, job creation and improving working conditions in plastic wastes management
• Business model
  • Product-market fit and market potential
  • Innovation approach
  • Current traction and/or growth strategy
  • Scalability
• Technology
  • IP owned
  • Business built on reliable technology(ies) including both software and hardware
  • Innovation
  • Adaptability and scalability
• Team
  • Team size
  • Team background
  • Relevance of distribution of responsibilities, priorities

Application of Plastics Innovation & Circularity Challenge

Click here to apply

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Lastly, It is important to visit the official website link found below to access the application form.

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