The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) has been actively involved in promoting the development of youth and entrepreneur skills in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector since 2016. EPF has a strong focus on recognizing and supporting local talent and technology in South Africa.
To highlight and celebrate the achievements in this field, EPF organizes the Annual South African Technology Awards. This prestigious event aims to showcase the talent and technology of tech-based businesses across all nine provinces of South Africa. The awards will provide an opportunity for these businesses to gain recognition and exposure for their innovative contributions to the ICT sector.
EPF is enthusiastic about creating a platform that not only acknowledges the achievements of South African tech businesses but also encourages their continued growth and success. By organizing the Annual South African Technology Awards, EPF aims to foster a vibrant and competitive tech ecosystem within the country while promoting local talent and homegrown technology solutions.
Startup of the Year
Women in Tech
Township Tech Leader
Lifetime Achievement
AI and Analytics
Financial Inclusion
Social Impact
Innovative Institution
Should be a South African Citizen
Be a Registered business in South Africa
1 - 3 Years SMME in operation
Youth Aged 18 - 35 years
Entrepreneurs:
18 - 35 Years old
Technology Readiness Level - 6
Technology Readiness Level 6 Description:
Prototype System Verified: System/process prototype demonstration in an operational environment (beta prototype system level).
Impact Sectors:
1. Water 2. Energy 3. Unemployment 4. Health 5. Agriculture
6. Housing 7. Education 8. Rural 9. Transport 10. Safety
Demonstrates disruptive innovation or a unique approach to addressing market needs.
Shows strong potential for scalability, expansion, and market penetration.
Achieved significant milestones, such as customer acquisition, revenue growth, or partnerships.
Boasts a talented and committed team with diverse skills and expertise.
Exhibits positive impact on its industry, community, or society at large.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and influence within the technology sector.
Drives innovation and contributes to advancements in technology fields.
Mentors and supports other women in tech, fostering diversity and inclusion.
Makes a positive impact on the tech community or advocates for women's representation and equality.
Accomplished notable achievements and milestones in her career and personal development.
Demonstrates significant contributions to technology development and adoption within township communities.
Empowers residents through digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, or access to technology resources.
Implements innovative solutions to address challenges faced by township residents or businesses.
Collaborates with local stakeholders, government agencies, or NGOs to drive tech initiatives and economic development.
Builds sustainable tech ecosystems that promote long-term growth and prosperity in township areas.
Demonstrates visionary leadership and significant contributions to the technology industry over a lifetime.
Has a track record of groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements.
Holds influence and respect within the technology sector, shaping industry trends and standards.
Mentors and inspires future generations of technologists, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
Demonstrates ethical leadership and a commitment to social responsibility throughout their career.
Demonstrates innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics techniques.
Delivers measurable business value through AI-driven insights, optimization, or automation.
Exhibits technical expertise and proficiency in AI algorithms, machine learning models, and data analytics.
Adheres to ethical principles and responsible AI practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Shows potential for future growth and impact in leveraging AI and analytics for addressing complex challenges.
Increases access to financial services for underserved or marginalized populations.
Offers innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of low-income individuals and communities.
Demonstrates measurable impact in improving financial literacy, reducing poverty, or promoting economic empowerment.
Collaborates with financial institutions, fintech startups, NGOs, and government agencies to drive financial inclusion initiatives.
Builds scalable and sustainable models for expanding financial inclusion efforts to reach more people over time.
Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity among employees, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking.
Builds partnerships with academia, industry, government, and startups to drive innovation and knowledge sharing.
Invests in research and development initiatives that lead to breakthrough innovations and technological advancements.
Leads industry disruption through the development and commercialization of innovative products, services, or business models.
Demonstrates global influence and recognition as a leading institution in driving innovation and shaping future trends.
By sponsoring a tech event, sponsors can increase their brand visibility and exposure to a relevant and engaged audience. This can help to increase brand recognition and awareness.
Tech events can provide sponsors with opportunities to generate new leads and potential customers. By interacting with attendees and showcasing their products or services, sponsors can attract new business.
Sponsoring a tech event can provide sponsors with opportunities to network with other industry professionals, potential partners, and investors. This can help to build valuable connections and relationships.
By sponsoring a tech event and providing thought leadership content or speakers, sponsors can position themselves as experts in their industry. This can help to build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Tech events can provide sponsors with opportunities to connect with talented individuals in the industry, including potential employees, contractors, and freelancers. This can help to build a strong team and support business growth.
PBO CERTIFICATE
FNB
Branch Code: 250955
Account no: 62630239243
Account type: Cheque
The Empire Partner Foundation Tech Hub is a non-profit organisation that was started by a group of young South Africans. Our goal is to build South Africa, and eventually the continent of Africa, by solving key challenges through tech. The Empire Partner Foundation has launched multiple activities to achieve their goal in building Africa in Tech.
We have a wide range of technologies at EPF Tech Hub that support Africa’s progress and development. As a technology community, we promote innovative thinking. We bring people with similar interests, but with a focus on technology to create an environment that enables both individuals and businesses to thrive. We support the progress and development of Africa with technology.
The Incubation hub is an opportunity for the winning hackathon teams to build a tech start up around their winning solutions from the hackathons. We believe that the solutions our country needs lie in its youth, therefore we pride ourselves on developing young entrepreneurs with radical ideas and disruptive solutions that are innovative and sustainable
The EPF Tech Fund is a privately managed Venture Capital Company. The investors in the fund are companies that are committed to future-proofing Africa by investing in youth-led technology solutions that are scalable across the continent.We look for high-growth, high-impact businesses able to deliver exceptional returns along with sustained socio-economic impact.
