The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in partnership with UNISA is proud to announce the official launch of the Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge 2025, a province-wide initiative led through its flagship Science and Technology Park (STP). This strategic programme is designed to unlock the innovation potential of young people, students, and entrepreneurs by encouraging the development of technology-driven solutions to pressing societal challenges.

The initiative is made possible through strategic support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a broad coalition of partners and is anchored by ELIDZ’s leadership across all phases of the initiative.

“At ELIDZ, we believe that Innovation is not just a buzzword, it is the engine of inclusive growth and sustainable development. This challenge is a bold step towards cultivating a generation of forward-looking thinkers, makers, and problem solvers who will shape the future of our province and beyond,” said Mr Thembela Zweni, ELIDZ CEO.

Through the STP, ELIDZ is committed to sharpening future-focused skills and unlocking the potential of youth, entrepreneurs and researchers. The STP is more than infrastructure, it’s a living ecosystem of innovation, designed to accelerate industrial modernisation and empower local talent to compete globally.

Challenge Themes and requirements

The innovation challenge invites participants to submit proposals aligned to the following key sectors:

  • Agri-business and Aquaculture,
  • Automotive and Mobility,
  • Digital Economy,
  • Sustainable Energy and,
  • Advanced Manufacturing.

These sectors lie at the heart of ELIDZ’s investment and industrial development priorities and are fully aligned with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development.

Proposals must represent new or significantly enhanced solutions that tackle real-world challenges – including poverty, unemployment, food security, and limited access to healthcare, education and energy. Submissions will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, impact and sustainability.

The challenge is open to individuals, teams and entrepreneurs residing in or committed to positively impacting the Eastern Cape. All proposals must be submitted using the prescribed application template, available on the ELIDZ website.

Prizes and Support

Winners will receive:

  • R100,000 in prize money per winner (5 winners total)
  • Entry into a 12-month incubation programme supported by ELIDZ-STP and its partners.
  • Access to mentorship, technical support, commercialisation pathways and incubation facilities such as the ELIDZ Manufacturing Incubator, Digital Hub and University Innovation hubs.

Programme Timeline

The programme is set to run from August to November 2025, including:

  • Information sessions across the province
  • Proposal submission and evaluation
  • A five-day Bootcamp
  • Final presentation and awards ceremony during Eastern Cape Innovation Week in November 2025.

The ELIDZ STP is a member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP), where the Africa Division is led by ELIDZ STP Head, Ms Ludwe Macingwane. This leadership role affirms ELIDZ’s commitment to advancing Africa’s innovation agenda and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

To ensure maximum support for this initiative, ongoing discussions are being held with key stakeholders including ECDC, NMU, UFH, WSU, Rhodes University, TVET Colleges, and various private sector organisations. These partners are expected play a role by contributing towards the prize money, mentorship, infrastructure, technical support, and market access, to ensure participant success.

Applications are now open. Interested participants can visit https://www.elidzstp.co.za/elidz-stp-innovation-challenge-2025/ to download the proposal guidelines and submit their entries. The deadline for submission is 25 September 2025.

We urge all stakeholders, government entities, academic institutions, private sector partners and community organisations to come on board and ensure maximum participation in this transformative initiative. Together, we can unlock the full potential of innovation to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in the Eastern Cape.

Issued by the ELIDZ

For media inquiries, interviews or media partnership opportunities, please contact:

Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications

Mr Siphosethu Tikana

Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za

Tel: 064 900 8392 / 076 800 5317