Competition format & key facts
Organized detailsOverview
Southern African residents and registered businesses can enter the V&A Waterfront Circular Innovation Challenge by 20 September 2026 for pilot access, mentorship and a R250,000 cash investment prize.
Complete competition details
The challenge seeks solutions beyond ideation and ready to move toward pilot or implementation. Shortlisted entrants will pitch in person at the Market Systems Symposium in Cape Town on 21 October 2026. The winning package includes product or service testing opportunities on the V&A Waterfront precinct, tailored mentorship valued at R100,000, facilitated introductions and partner visibility.
Eligibility requirements
Individuals must be residents of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia or Zimbabwe and be over 18. Businesses must be registered in one of those Southern African countries. Solutions must be beyond ideation and ready for pilot or implementation.
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 on the official SOLVE@Waterfront terms. The source states entries close at midnight on 20 September 2026 South African time; a date-only deadline is stored to avoid assuming how the organiser interprets midnight.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
V&A SOLVE ↗Browse current Job and Scholarship listings from V&A SOLVE →
