Competition format & key facts
Organized detailsOverview
Applications are open for a South African MedTech competition offering six cash prizes across two technology-readiness categories, with entries due 25 September 2026.
Complete competition details
The challenge is administered by CSIR through the Innovation Bridge Platform and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Applicants choose one of three tracks: diagnostics/therapeutics and devices, AI-enabled care and triage, or secure workflow and referral. Evaluation includes eligibility verification, technical assessment and final presentations. Participation is free.
Eligibility requirements
Open to legal entities and research groups operating in South Africa, including registered enterprises, university-based teams and innovators, Science Council teams and academic research laboratories. Applicants must own or have legal rights to use the submitted technology. Joint ventures and consortia may apply with one lead applicant. One entry per applicant.
Tips for this competition
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Study the scoring criteria and previous winners before deciding what evidence, prototype, essay, research or portfolio will best support the entry.
- Confirm country, age, team, education and organization restrictions and whether one person may enter multiple submissions.
- Follow the required file format, word/time limits and naming rules exactly; technical non-compliance can disqualify a strong entry.
- Keep proof of submission and submit before the deadline rather than relying on the final hour.
Verification notes
Verified against the current official challenge terms and Innovation Bridge challenge page. Closing time, South Africa eligibility, free entry, tracks and prize values were explicit on the checked pages.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
2026 SA Tech Innovation Challenge / CSIR Innovation Bridge ↗