The winners of the SA Tech Challenge 2025 have been announced, with six startups named category champions and 30 others recognised as top-five finalists across key innovation sectors. The winners will represent South Africa at the G20 Digital Innovation (DIA) Summit in Cape Town from 26 to 29 September, where they will pitch their solutions to an audience of global investors, mentors and government leaders.
The 2025 edition focused on six-high growth categories: digital platforms, fintech, secured digital infrastructure, circular economy, connectivity innovations and, innovations for development. These sectors were identified for their potential to address local challenges through scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
“This year saw a record number of high-quality submissions, showcasing the incredible innovation and talent within South Africa's tech ecosystem. After a rigorous selection process and a series of insightful live presentations, we have identified the companies that are set to become the next generation of tech innovators,” said the DSTI.
What the Winners of SA Tech Challenge 2025 Receive
Each of the six category winners are now in the running for the R1 million grand prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Summit. Regardless of the final outcome, each category winner is guaranteed a catalytic investment of at least R250 000 to help accelerate their growth and scale their solutions.
Below is a closer look at the winners and standout finalists across each of the six categories:
DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Winner: Sweepsouth
Finalists: MMS Africa, Highwind AI, Michanic and Lemi App
Sweepsouth is a digital platform that connects households needing domestic services with vetted and trained domestic workers. The service operates similarly to an on-demand model and is accessible via a mobile app. To date, Sweepsouth serves over 250 000 customers and 6500 active home service professionals.
FINTECH
Winner: Kasi Money
Finalists: Level Innovations, Inclusivity Solutions, Galeboe Professional Services and Vuleka Platform
Kasi Money provides digital banking services and financial tools for South Africans with irregular or informal incomes. It offers core financial services such as a bank account, a Kasi Debit Card, and cash back options on cash withdrawals. Users can also receive and send payments, make online and in-person purchases, buy services like airtime and electricity within the app, and access tools for saving and investing.
The app is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly, allowing sign-ups with either a South African ID or a valid passport.
Snode Technologies developed Guardian, an artificial intelligence (AI) - powered cybersecurity platform that leverages machine learning and digital twin technology to monitor and defend organisations against cyber threats. Their services include real-time threat detection, vulnerability assessments, dark web surveillance, and proactive defence strategies, providing a comprehensive solution in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Winner: ROC Water Technologies
Finalists: Smartfill, Microcare Energy, Bio Bean SA and Wisi-Oi (Klose Klub)
Local startup,Roc Water Technologies is tackling industrial water waste through its proprietary Pipe Freeze Crystallisation technology, which extracts clean water and reusable salts from highly saline and contaminated effluents like acid mine drainage. The company is focused on sustainable water treatment and recovery solutions that benefit both industry and the environment, while enabling long-term resource efficiency.
INNOVATIONS FOR CONNECTIVITY
Winner: The Marking App Africa
Finalists: Maftown Internet Services, OURS, Get Thru and Eyelook Telecomms
The Marking App develops tech-based educational tools that reduce administrative burdens on teachers and improve student engagement. Their flagship app automates marking and tracking, freeing up valuable time for educators and enhancing classroom efficiency.
INNOVATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
Finalists: GRIT, OLICO Maths Education, Grandstage Trading and A2D24
Winner: Ortho-Design
Ortho-Design specialises in locally manufactured, high-quality orthopaedic and soft-tissue fixation devices. Through collaboration with surgeons and medical professionals, the company develops medical devices tailored to the African context - cost-effective, durable, and designed for accessibility. Their work supports not only improved healthcare outcomes, but also the growth of South Africa’s medical device manufacturing industry.
Winning Startups Heading to G20-DIA Summit
Each winning startup will send a representative to the G20-DIA Summit, to be hosted in Cape Town from 26 -29 September 2025. The grand prize winner, along with second and third place recipients, will be announced at an exclusive gala dinner on the final night of the summit.
Lungile is the Digital Editor for Startup.Africa, with a knack for storytelling, technology and innovative ideas. Working with Startup.Africa, she takes simple ideas and turns them into amazing stories.
Lungile Msomi
