Join SEADE South African Learning Expedition

Immense yourself in the digital research and innovation landscape and ecosystem of South Africa!

 Powered by the Methys Group (FSAT Labs, AfricArena & Enrich in Africa Centre)

Apply before the 3rd of November, 2024 at 11:59 GMT

Click here https://forms.gle/wQY6UVn3TmHBGTiUA 

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICA LEARNING EXPEDITION

The SEADE South African Learning Expedition is managed and run by the Methys Group consisting of the French South African Tech Labs, AfricArena and the ENRICH in Africa Center in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the SEADE project funded by the European Union. This learning expedition consists of 7 days in South Africa in which European and African (excluding Southern Africa) research and innovation role players in the technology and digital sectors are provided tours of South Africa’s leading innovation hubs, universities, think tanks, investors, government agencies and startups.

The program’s objectives are the following:

  • To network selected attendees with the leading startups, innovation hubs, universities, think tanks, investors, and government agencies of South Africa in digital research and innovation;

  • To provide market insights and knowledge on the South African digital research and innovation ecosystem;

  • Promote digital innovation and research between Europe and Africa through a series of collaborative events in Cape Town;

PROGRAM CONTENT

The South African Learning Expedition will consist of 7 days on the road in South Africa visiting the following: the program will take place over three months online and in person, from the 4th of November 2024 to the 14th of February 2025. The online program will consist of the following:

  • University research and innovation centres,

  • Innovation Hubs,

  • Investors,

  • Research Think Tanks;

  • Provincial and national governmental agencies

Selected attendees will also have access to the following events:

  • AfricArena Grand Summit,

  • VC Night,

  • Innovation Night

  • SEADE R&I Summit.

There is also the choice of attending the Digital Africa Collective VC Unconference and Founders Deal Flow Bootcamp events from the 30th of November to the 2nd of December. However, these events have payment fees attached to them. These are the prices to attend the events:

VC Unconference - 799 USD

Founders Bootcamp - 300 USD

WHO CAN APPLY?

The South African Learning Expedition will be targeting digital and technology based research and innovation ecosystem players in Europe, East Africa, West Africa and Central Africa. In the following list are the ecosystem players the program is looking for:

  • Innovation Start-ups

  • Innovation Researchers

  • Research and Innovation Lecturers

  • Research and Innovation Think Tanks and Institutions

  • Digital Innovation Hubs

  • Incubation and Acceleration Centres 

  • Higher Education Institutions 

  • Investors

  • International Development Agencies

  • Development Banks

  • Government Officials

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To participate in the SEADE South African Learning Expedition, you must: 

  • Be an active player in European or African research and innovation in the digital and technology-based ecosystems (excluding ecosystem players residing in Southern Africa); 

  • Be legally established in a European Union country or an African country in West Africa, East Africa or Central Africa and be interested in collaborating with research and innovation ecosystem players in the digital and technology sectors of South Africa; 

  • Have an established business, research and innovation project or institution that has been operational for more than two years; 

  • Participants must be able to speak and communicate in English, as South Africa is an English-speaking country. They will need to pitch, follow program activities, and communicate with local stakeholders in English. 

WHY SOUTH AFRICA?

South Africa, particularly Cape Town, is a burgeoning hub for digital and technological innovation, making it an ideal destination for European and African startups, researchers, and investors. The city is home to Africa’s oldest tech and startup incubator, the Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi), which has supported over 3,000 entrepreneurs for more than two decades. Cape Town’s tech ecosystem is thriving, with numerous successful startups such as Aerobotics, SweepSouth, and Yoco, which have gained international recognition. This vibrant environment offers a unique opportunity for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking with some of the continent’s most innovative minds.

Moreover, South Africa ranks highly in various categories recognizing business friendliness, tech innovation, and an established digital startup ecosystem. The country’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for tech development is evident in its policies and initiatives aimed at supporting research and innovation. Cape Town, in particular, has been recognized as one of the most ambitious cities globally, providing a fertile ground for startups and researchers to thrive. The city’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a destination for international collaboration in the tech sector.

Additionally, the South African government and private sector are heavily invested in research and development, contributing significantly to the country’s innovation ecosystem. This investment ensures that there are ample resources and support systems in place for startups and researchers. By visiting South Africa, European and African stakeholders can tap into this dynamic ecosystem, gain insights into the latest technological advancements, and explore potential partnerships that can drive growth and innovation in their respective fields. The collaborative spirit and the wealth of opportunities available make South Africa a compelling destination for anyone involved in the digital and technology sectors.

ABOUT THE METHYS GROUP

Methys Group is a prominent international technology hub based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a strong focus on digital innovation, data, and business acceleration. Founded in 2004, Methys has established itself as a leader in driving business performance through its expertise in digital transformation and data analytics. The company is dedicated to fostering innovation and providing high-quality services to its clients, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

AfricArena, a key initiative under Methys Group, is an African tech accelerator that hosts a series of events across major tech ecosystems globally, culminating in a summit in Cape Town. AfricArena aims to foster the African tech environment by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations through open innovation challenges and physical events. Over the past four years, AfricArena alumni have raised over $220 million, highlighting its significant impact on the African startup ecosystem.

The French South African Tech Labs (FSAT Labs) is another vital component of Methys Group, operating as a public-private partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) in South Africa. FSAT Labs focuses on incubating early-stage, high-growth entrepreneurs, contributing to the betterment of Africa’s tech landscape. Methys Digital, the digital arm of the group, leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative solutions and drive digital transformation for businesses across various sectors. 

Together, these entities form a robust ecosystem that supports and accelerates tech innovation in South Africa and beyond.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions are associated with the SEADE South African Learning Expedition program:

  • The program has a limit of 10 participants for 7 days for ecosystem tours in South Africa.

  • The selection of the 10 participants will be determined by:

    • The scalability and growth of their business, innovation, research, project or investment in South Africa

    • All participants need to be citizens or residents of Europe, Central Africa, West Africa and East Africa,

    • Businesses to be registered in Europe, Central Africa, West Africa and East Africa,

    • Have an association with digital and technology research and innovation development

    • Be able to fly to South Africa and spend a week in the country.

  • All selected participants will have to pay for their flights to Cape Town with return;

  • The SEADE South African Learning Expedition will only cover accommodation and limited transport for 7 days

  • For access to the AfricArise Founders’ Bootcamp, digital startup founders will need to pay an additional 300 USD to join the 3 day boot camp in Cape Town;

  • For access to the AfricaArena VC Unconference in Stellenbosch from the 31st of November to the 2nd of December, participants will have to pay 799 USD for the 3-day event. For more information, please view this link

  • No refunds will be allocated if selected and one is unable to attend the Learning Expedition.