The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), through its Science and Technology Park (STP in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), academic institutions, financial institutions, and industry bodies, invites members of the media to the 2025 Eastern Cape Innovation & Entrepreneurship Week (IEW).

Dates: 24–28 November 2025
Venue: East London IDZ Science & Technology Park (Hybrid)
Theme: Innovate. Commercialise. Thrive.

IEW 2025 positions the Eastern Cape as a rising hub for high-impact innovation, research translation, and enterprise development. The programme will be officially launched by DEDEAT MEC, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters, alongside industry leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners shaping the province’s innovation landscape.

The event will showcase homegrown technologies and investable prototypes, demonstrating the Eastern Cape’s readiness to compete in an innovation-driven global economy.

IEW 2025 marks the culmination of two provincial initiatives –the 2025 Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge and the 2025 EC Hackathon Challenge. Both initiatives attracted innovators developing solutions across advanced manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, Agri-tech, digital services, and research commercialisation.

A major highlight of the event is the unveiling of over R1.5 million worth of innovation support, structured through incubation placements, prototype development assistance, technical mentorship, business development services, and market access facilitation. This support is designed to accelerate innovators from concept to investment readiness.

Finalists from both the 48-Hour Hackathon and the Innovation Pitching Challenge will qualify for these opportunities, further demonstrating the province’s commitment to developing globally competitive innovators.

All innovators supported by the ELIDZ-STP since its inception will exhibit their work during IEW 2025, providing a unique opportunity to witness tangible outcomes, economic potential, and the real-world impact of the Eastern Cape’s innovation ecosystem.

The Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge focuses on high-growth, strategic sectors including Agri-business & Aquaculture, Automotive & Mobility, Digital Economy & ICT, Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the EC Hackathon Challenge tasked participants with developing digital solutions aligned with themes such as the ELIDZ Skills Portal, ELIDZ-STP Interactive App, AI-Powered SMME Funding Application, and the Eastern Cape Youth Information Portal, reflecting key priorities in youth services, entrepreneurship support, SMME access, and industrial talent development.

Programme Overview

  • Day 1 – Opening Ceremony & Masterclasses (24 Nov)
    Led by the DEDEAT MEC, featuring sessions on commercialisation, design thinking, cybersecurity, and business compliance.
  • Days 2–3 – 48-Hour Hackathon (25–26 Nov)
    A round-the-clock digital innovation challenge addressing industrial and societal needs.
  • Day 4 – IP & Commercialisation Workshop (27 Nov)
    Practical sessions on intellectual property, innovation protection, and market pathways.
  • Day 5 – Innovation Pitching & Awards Ceremony (28 Nov)
    Finalists pitch solutions to expert judges; winners announced for both the Hackathon and Innovation Pitching Challenge.

This engagement offers the media a unique opportunity to interact directly with innovators, gain first-hand insights from industry experts, and witness entrepreneurs solving real-world challenges through technology, creativity, and collaboration.

For members of the media unable to attend in person, the ELIDZ will remain available for live broadcast crossovers, virtual interviews, and in-depth feature engagements with key spokespersons and innovators.

Media RSVP / Enquiries:
Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP)
Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
Tel: +27 64 900 8392
Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za

Issued by:
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), an entity of the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT)