Innovation

From Coal Cape to Green Cape

From Coal Cape to Green Cape: At the moment, South Africa's economy is not yet green. Currently, 85% of the country's energy comes from coal plants. However, the non profit organisation GreenCape aims to transform this. But, their mission extends beyond just the energy sector as they are promoting a comprehensive green economy. Central to this mission is the FNF GreenPitch Challenge, organised in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Through this initiative, GreenCape addresses critical challenges such as power outages and water shortages while simultaneously strengthening the economy and tackling the unemployment crisis. Their work has already attracted significant investments, leading to the creation of approximately 19,000 jobs and demonstrating the tangible impact of their initiatives. On Thursday, 05th September GreenCape held the finale of the Green Pitch Challenge in partnership with the FNF in Cape Town.

The concept: Nurturing Start Ups and Pre-Growth Ventures

The FNF Green Pitch Challenge is designed to foster green innovation within South Africa's economy. The competition is aimed at two types of businesses: Startups and Pre-Growth ventures. Startups are early-stage enterprises with a proof of concept, such as a pilot project, and are seeking their first round of seed funding. Pre-Growth businesses, on the other hand, are already established, actively trading, and generating sales, but are looking for Series A funding, which is the next round of financing after seed funding.

Winners in these two categories receive not only a cash prize but also in-kind business support and access to a valuable network. This comprehensive support is exemplary, as financing is just one component of building a successful business.

The Path to the Green Pitch Challenge Finale

After receiving 145 entries, 10 finalists were selected to participate in the Green Pitch Challenge finale. In their selection process, GreenCape ensured that, in addition to identifying the most innovative ideas, they also considered the gender and background of the applicants.

Before taking part in the finale, the finalists participated in a pitch preparation workshop with RMB Ventures on August 1, 2024, at the RMB offices in Johannesburg. This workshop provided them with valuable training in financial, technical, legal, marketing, and communication aspects. Beyond preparing them for the pitch challenge, the workshop offered qualified insights and advice on effectively running their own businesses.

Highlights from the Final Pitch Challenge

The Final Pitch Challenge, held on September 5th in Cape Town, showcased a range of innovative ideas aimed at addressing pressing global issues and promoting sustainable practices.

One of the standout entries was a batch treatment system for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), which uses South African coal fly ash in a Jet Loop Reactor. This innovation offers dual benefits to South Africa’s key industries—mining and coal—by providing an environmentally friendly solution to AMD while repurposing industrial byproducts.

Additionally, an agribusiness platform was presented, leveraging advanced technology to support smallholder farmers across Africa. By integrating blockchain-based weather index insurance, this platform aims to mitigate climate risks and improve crop yields. With climate change threatening more extreme weather patterns, such innovations are crucial to the future resilience of South Africa’s agricultural sector. Despite the impressive quality of all the entries, only two entrepreneurs emerged as winners.

Start-Up Category Winner: Ngangelizwe Mathunjwa

In the Start-Up category, Ngangelizwe Mathunjwa impressed the jury with his concise and engaging pitch about his company, Aero Greens. Based in Johannesburg, Mathunjwa founded his business in March 2021 while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of Johannesburg. To further deepen his entrepreneurial knowledge, he participated in an entrepreneurial studies program at Queen's University in Canada.

Aero Greens specialises in soilless vertical farming systems housed in shipping containers. Their innovative aeroponic technology reduces water usage by 98% compared to traditional farming methods. By integrating renewable energy and biomimicry-inspired cooling systems, Aero Greens delivers year-round, high-quality crop production with minimal environmental impact.

Pre-Growth Category Winner: DragonFly (Anisoptera)

In the Pre-Growth category, DragonFly secured the win with an outstanding pitch. The company was co-founded by Sean Kelly and Samuel Ares. Sean holds a degree in International Business from the University of South Africa, providing the venture with essential economic expertise. Samuel, on the other hand, brings a strong scientific foundation, with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez.

Founded in 2021, DragonFly utilises AI-powered cameras to enhance the efficiency of sorting lines at landfills. Their AI and IoT solutions enable waste management companies to measure and manage operations more effectively, significantly improving the quality of recycled materials entering the circular economy. Since its launch, DragonFly has helped divert over 1,000 tonnes of waste from landfills, allowing the company to expand its operations and increase staffing.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation looks forward to the 2025 FNF Green Pitch Challenge, where perhaps your business will take centre stage!