Start-ups take centre stage at City-sponsored SA Innovation Summit

28 September 2023

The SA Innovation Summit, one of the country’s premier technology industry events, was opened this week by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.

The summit, now in its 16th year, brings together around 3 000 creators, entrepreneurs, investors, and other roleplayers in the tech ecosystem for an exchange of ideas and to collaborate on opportunities.

'The City is proudly sponsoring the SA Innovation Summit because technology is a pivotal driver of economic development within communities and cities. This is exemplified by the fact that 2022's event fostered a confirmed 455 connections between investors and start-ups, resulting in partnerships estimated at R350 million,' said Alderman Vos.

UVU Africa, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is funded by the City, is also an official partner of the SA Innovation Summit and is hosting a watch party at its Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn for entrepreneurs from in and around the area who can't make it to the summit venue at Grand West. UVU Africa is also hosting a meet-up at the Khayelitsha hub where a group of investors will hear pitches from township start-ups.

'Cape Town is a hub of tech and investment opportunities thanks to our partnerships with organisations such as UVU Africa through whom we support programmatic initiatives aimed at women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Through our innovative Ease of Doing Business project, we will also continue to lay the foundations for an environment wherein businesses can survive and thrive,' said Alderman Vos. 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office