Description

Empowering Africa’s Deep-Tech Innovators

The Build Programme is a funded accelerator designed to support Africa’s most promising science, engineering, and deep-tech ventures. Through tailored mentorship, expert-led masterclasses, strategic partnerships, and investor engagement, the programme helps founders transform innovative technologies into scalable, investment-ready businesses.

Backed by Savant, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the programme focuses on ventures developing science-based solutions that address Green Economy, Climate, and Social challenges across Africa.

About the Programme

The Build Programme supports deep-tech hardware startups through a structured accelerator designed to strengthen investor readiness, market access, and venture growth.

The programme combines practical business support with technical expertise, helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling innovative technologies. Participants benefit from hands-on advisory services, tailored mentorship, investor exposure, and access to strategic networks that accelerate commercialisation and growth.

Applications are currently open for Cohort 4, running from August to November 2026.

What We Are Looking For

1. Green Economy and Climate Innovation

We are seeking startups developing physical technologies and hardware solutions that contribute to:

• Sustainable energy systems
• Circular economy solutions
• Water management and conservation
• Waste management technologies
• Decarbonisation initiatives
• Resource efficiency and environmental sustainability

2. Deep-Tech and Hardware Ventures

Eligible startups should be developing science-based or engineering-driven technologies with strong innovation potential and scalable applications. We welcome ventures leveraging advanced technologies to solve complex social, environmental, or industrial challenges.

3. Investment-Ready Founders

We support ambitious entrepreneurs who are actively seeking capital and committed to building high-growth businesses. Ideal applicants demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, adapt, and engage with mentors, advisors, and investors.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for startups that:

• Are registered and operating within an African country
• Are developing physical technology or hardware-based solutions
• Have an established proof of concept
• Demonstrate early market traction or customer validation
• Are currently seeking investment
• Operate at pre-seed or seed stage
• Have scalable technology with clear commercial potential

Preference will be given to teams with technical founders, strong intellectual property assets, and a clear vision for growth.

What Participants Will Receive

Tailored Mentorship

Founders receive one-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry specialists, technical experts, and investors. Mentorship is customised to each venture’s unique challenges and growth objectives.

Expert-Led Masterclasses

Participants gain access to intensive workshops covering:

• Fundraising and investment readiness
• Sales and business development
• Market expansion strategies
• Venture scaling and operations
• Financial planning and due diligence
• Leadership and team development

Investor Access

Startups are introduced to investors through Demo Day presentations, investor networking events, and ongoing engagement opportunities. The programme helps founders build compelling investment cases and establish relationships with potential funders.

Strategic Advisory Support

Participants receive practical support from Savant’s ecosystem of advisors and partners, helping ventures overcome technical, operational, and commercial barriers to growth.

Market Access Opportunities

Through strategic partnerships and industry connections, startups gain support to enter new markets, validate their solutions, and establish commercial partnerships.

Investment Opportunity

Top-performing companies from Cohort 4 will be eligible for grant funding ranging from €50,000 to €80,000.

Exceptional ventures may also be considered for follow-on equity investment from Savant, providing additional capital to accelerate growth and market expansion.

Beyond funding, selected companies gain access to ongoing advisory support and mentorship from Savant’s investment team and partner network.

Programme Overview

The Build Programme focuses on three core pillars:

Investor Readiness

Helping founders develop compelling investment cases, strengthen business models, and prepare for fundraising opportunities.

Market Access

Connecting startups with customers, industry partners, and commercial opportunities to accelerate growth and adoption.

Venture Building

Providing hands-on support, expert guidance, and strategic advice to help companies strengthen operations, scale effectively, and achieve sustainable growth.

Timeline

Applications Open: Now

Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

Programme Duration: August – November 2026

Location: Africa-wide (with virtual and in-person engagement opportunities)