Following its first round of successful funding for social entrepreneurs last year, the Diageo Empowerment Trust has kicked off a new round of funding for this year.
This year’s funding initiative focuses on the use of technology to solve major social challenges in Mzansi.
Sinethemba Mafanya, manager at the trust, said they seek new entrepreneurs who are using technology to solve social problems as part of their business idea.
“We are looking for start-up projects that are less than two years old that have attracted corporate interest but need capital for funding.”
Three initiatives
- Grow nation relies on technology solutions for the rural agricultural sector
- Make nation focuses on using robotics and 3-D printing for manufacturing
- Tech nation uses existing technology such as phone apps to solve new problems.
Mafanya said that growing the nation is of particular interest as various initiatives can be piloted with the trust’s existing projects, which support sorghum farmers in the Eastern Cape and KZN.
The trust is working with its partners to create a solution.
Nosco has designed a corporate platform which the selected candidates can use to interact and develop ideas. Urbian develops digital prototypes for the candidates. The Gordon Institute of Business Science provides business training and mentorship.
For more information or to register, visit www.socialtechstartup.co.za. Registration ends on 25 February.