To participate in the SEADE South African Soft-Landing Program, 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 (excluding Southern 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;

• Be able to speak and communicate in English as South Africa is an English speaking country and participants will need to pitch, follow program activities and communicate with local stakeholders in English.

Applications must be submitted by the 16th of October, 2024 at 23:59 GMT, exclusively via this form:

https://forms.gle/QyEywALsJTswVL2s7

Shortlisted applicants will then receive communication from the 21st of October 2024 and be interviewed online. Final selection of the 10 participants will be announced on the 28th of October 2024 and will join the online program on the 4th of November 2024.

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.

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.

The following terms and conditions are associated with the SEADE South African Soft-landing program:

• The program has a limit of 10 participants for the 3 month program including the Cape Town Learning Expedition Tour that includes the AfricArise Founders’ Bootcamp, the VC Unconference, the AfricArena Grand Summit and the SEADE R & I Summit.

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

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

  • All participants need to be citizens or residents in Europe, North Africa, West Africa and East Africa

  • Businesses to be registered in their countries of residence in Europe, North Africa, West Africa and East Africa

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

  • Be able to take time out once a week for 3 months and travel to Cape Town for 10 days.

• Flights to Cape Town with return are not included in the benefits of the program, thus all selected participants will have to pay for their own flights to Cape Town to attend the tour of the city and associated events;

• The SEADE South African Soft-landing Program will only cover accommodation and limited transport within Cape Town from the 24th of November to the 5th of December;

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

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

• No refunds will be allocated if selected and one is unable to attend the soft-landing program online or in Cape Town from the 24th of November to the 5th of December 2024.