Grace Ashiru
As the year comes to a close, it’s the ideal moment to acknowledge some of South Africa’s most impressive innovations. These groundbreaking tech startups were celebrated by Startup Club ZA on the evening of 26 November in Cape Town, where the winners of the South African Startup Awards were revealed.
The awards featured 12 categories and were judged by a 25-member committee, with input from public voters. This marked the second edition of the South African Startup Awards and the first to be held in person.
According to the Startup Club ZA, the purpose of the awards is to “objectively and authentically highlight the top early-stage tech startups across South Africa, while demonstrating the exceptional innovation and potential of the nation’s entrepreneurs on a global stage.” The organization organizes monthly events and is known as the largest tech startup and investor network in South Africa.
Award Categories and Recipients
AI and Big Data: Yazi – a research platform integrated with WhatsApp, designed to deliver improved insights and response accuracy.
Biotech: Immobazyme – driving innovation with precision fermentation to create premium active protein ingredients.
Climate/Sustainability: The Awareness Company– empowering large enterprises to address sustainability issues while maximizing profitability.
ConsumerTech: Truvu Virtual Tours– revolutionizing online property exploration by closing the browsing gap.
Digital Commerce: Hailr– a platform redefining advertising with interactive, engaging, and rewarding user experiences.
EdTech: Melsoft Academy– preparing African students for thriving careers in software development.
FinTech: Float– Africa’s pioneering platform for card-linked installment payments.
Future of Work: Jem HR– a WhatsApp-based platform delivering HR solutions and employee benefits for frontline workers.
HealthTech:Strove – a comprehensive platform enhancing wellbeing and engagement for today’s workforce.
Informal Market: Delivery Ka Speed SA– a delivery service improving access in townships.
Mobility/Logistics:MotionAds – an innovative delivery bike advertising solution that boosts brand visibility while supplementing drivers’ income.
People’s Choice: Happy Pay– empowering South African consumers with interest-free credit.
