Pitch

About the Green Innovators Pitch Competition

The Green Youth Indaba features two flagship platforms designed to support young people across the full innovation pipeline, from research and idea generation to enterprise development and scale. The Young Researchers’ Pitch (YRP) and the Green Innovators’ Pitch (GIP) work hand-in-hand to identify, nurture, and elevate youth-led solutions that contribute to South Africa’s sustainable and inclusive development. Together, these platforms respond to the growing need to better connect knowledge, innovation, and economic opportunity within the green and sustainability sectors.

While the Young Researchers’ Pitch focuses on translating academic research into practical, solution-oriented ideas, the Green Innovators’ Pitch advances these concepts into scalable innovations and viable enterprises. This integrated approach creates a clear pathway from research to innovation to enterprise, enabling young researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to move beyond ideas and into real-world application and impact.

Whether you are developing research, testing a concept, or building a business, the Green Youth Indaba provides a platform to showcase your work, strengthen your capacity, and engage with stakeholders shaping the future of sustainability and innovation.

Objectives of the Green Innovators Pitch

Spotlighting Innovation

The competition seeks to highlight and celebrate ground-breaking green technology solutions developed by young entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for these innovators to showcase their ideas, the competition amplifies their impact and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices.

Fostering Entrepreneurship

Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to potential investors, the competition aims to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship among young individuals passionate about environmental sustainability. It provides them with the necessary resources and support to turn their ideas into viable businesses.

Driving Economic Growth

By nurturing green start-ups and enterprises, the competition contributes to the growth of the green economy in South Africa. It encourages the development of innovative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges while creating new opportunities for job creation and economic advancement.

Competition Process

Call for Entries: The competition begins with an open call for entries, inviting young entrepreneurs with innovative green technology solutions to submit their projects. Entries are evaluated based on criteria such as environmental impact, feasibility, scalability, and creativity.

Selection of Finalists: A panel of expert judges reviews the submissions and selects a cohort of finalists whose projects demonstrate the highest potential for positive environmental impact and sustainable business viability.

Pitching Event: Finalists are invited to present their projects at a dedicated pitching event. This provides them with an opportunity to showcase their innovations to a diverse audience, including potential investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Mentorship and Support: Finalists receive personalized mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals in the green technology sector. This support is designed to help refine their business models, develop go-to-market strategies, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Winner Selection: The judges evaluate the pitches and select the top projects based on their innovation, feasibility, market potential, and environmental impact. Prizes and recognition are awarded to the winning projects.

Impact and Outcomes

Cultivating Green Innovators

The competition nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious academics and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and resources to drive innovation in the green technology sector.

Market Access and Investment Opportunities

Finalists gain exposure to potential investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners, opening doors for collaboration and financial support to scale their ventures.

Sustainable Solutions for a Better Future

The winning projects contribute to addressing pressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and advancing the transition towards a greener economy.

Young Researchers Pitch 3.0

Are you a Masters, PhD or emerging researcher working in STEM and Green Innovation?

The Young Researchers’ Pitch 2026 is a curated national platform designed to showcase high-impact academic research contributing to South Africa’s green economy transition.

The platform provides Masters, PhD candidates, Postdoctoral researchers, and emerging scholars with an opportunity to present research that demonstrates innovation, rigour, and real-world applicability.

We are seeking research that bridges theory and practice and contributes meaningfully to environmental sustainability, economic transformation, and policy advancement.

Focus Areas

Agriculture and Food Security
Climate Adaptation & Mitigation
Environmental Conservation and Protection
Mineral Beneficiation
Sustainable Mobility and Responsible Tourism
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Waste Beneficiation and Management
Water Conservation and Efficiency
Green Buildings

Eligibility Criteria

Be between 18-35 years old
Be a Masters candidate, PhD candidate, Postdoctoral researcher, or early-career academic
Be affiliated with a recognised academic or research institution
Be the principal researcher or co-researcher of the submitted work
Submit original research (completed or near completion)
Demonstrate practical relevance (policy, industry or community application)
Be available for all pitch-related activities

How it Works

Submit Your Abstracts: We’re looking for groundbreaking ideas and solutions within the green economy.
Pre-Pitch Session: Top submissions will be invited to present at a pre-pitch session.
Final Pitch: Finalists will showcase their ideas at the 10th Annual Green Youth Indaba Conference in Durban

Green Innovators’ Pitch 11.0

Are you building solutions for a greener tomorrow?

This year, the Green Innovators’ Pitch is back for its 11th installment! This year, once again, we will be bringing together exceptional minds in one room to share innovations that promise to greatly contribute to South Africa’s green economy transition.

The Green Innovators’ Pitch 11.0 (GIP 11.0) supports innovators at every stage of growth: ideation and incubation, acceleration, and scalling-up. We are therefore seeking scalable, impact-driven innovations contributing to South Africa’s green economy transition. If this sounds like you, this is your opportunity to showcase your work on a national stage at the Green Youth Indaba.