The GEF (Global Environment Facility)

Application Deadline: 29th April 2016

The GEF (Global Environment Facility), UNIDO (the United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and TIA (the Technology Innovation Agency) in South Africa are implementing the GCIP (Global Cleantech Innovation Programme) for SMEs to promote clean technology innovation and supporting SMEs and start-ups working on solutions related to energy efficiency, green buildings, renewable energy, waste beneficiation and water efficiency.

The programme combines a competition and a business accelerator to offer participants progressing through the programme extensive mentoring, training, access to investors and opportunities to showcase their innovations to the media and the public. Participants stand a chance to win a cash award and national business support awards, in addition to a trip to Silicon Valley, CA, to participate in the Cleantech Open Global Forum.

Technology Categories

• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Renewable Energy
• Waste Benefaction
• Green Buildings

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Fit the definition of one of the Competition’s four clean technology and innovation categories and respective classification criteria.

2. Be a start-up company, typically less than 3 years in existence but not yet profitable OR an established SMME as defined by the Small Business Act (No. 102, 1996).

3. Demonstrate exclusive ownership of Intellectual Property Rights.

4. Be a two person team, minimum

• At least one team member must be a South African resident, citizen, or legal alien (proof needs to be provided).
• You may form a brand new team in order to apply to the Programme, and you do not need to have a registered company in order to apply. However, a South African legal entity (corporation, Pty (Ltd), or similar) must be created prior to receiving any prizes and any such legal entity must have an ownership structure typical of an independent start-up/SMME.
• You must have a physical address in South Africa, and your team or company must have activities, such as sales, marketing, research and development, or administration, based in South Africa.

In addition:

5. All winners must be able to present a valid tax clearance certificate on request in order to qualify for prizes.

6. All entrants participating in the business coaching and mentoring will be required to sign an indemnity form.

7. Travel and accommodation costs for semi-finalists to attend mentoring and training programmes are at the cost of the entrant.

8. Finalists who do not reside in the province where the awards event is held will be provided travel (round trip within South Africa) and accommodation for one person to attend.

9. Prizes are not intended to subsidise corporate or university projects. The amount and source of any secured capital arrangements should be clearly identified in the team’s application.

10. Cash prizes may be taxable and the winners must comply with applicable requirements of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).  The entrants are advised to obtain independent financial advice in this regard.

Benefits:

• All participants can take full advantage of the programmes offered, finding themselves on a highly accelerated path to business expansion. By applying for the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme you join a network of investors, sponsors, mentors, volunteers, staff, alumni, fellow contestants and successful companies – all working toward the goal of helping you grow your idea into a viable cleantech business.

• Semi-finalists will:

  • Have a chance to compete for awards valued at R 200 000 nationally, including a trip to Silicon Valley, CA, to participate in the Cleantech Open Global Forum
  • Engage subject matter experts in a 10 session series of Business Model Training Webinars
  • Gain access to our Mentor Programme
  • Have a chance of showcasing opportunities at the National Gala Event towards the end of the year

  Prizes are a combination of cash grant and/or investment and in-kind services. All cash prizes may be cash grants and/or investments and are subject to change.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs