The National Cleantech Innovation Challenge EASTERN CAPE
Waste-to-Value in Urban and Rural Areas Challenge
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
The NCIC Eastern Cape Waste-to-Value Innovation Technology Challenge aims to identify and support innovative, technically viable solutions that transform low-value waste streams into high-value products with proven market demand and job creation potential. We invite applications from all sectors of society, including women, youth, entrepreneurs, researchers, businesses, cooperatives, and community innovators—anyone who can turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s opportunity.
Compared to South Africa’s more urbanized provinces, the Eastern Cape faces greater challenges in waste management, including limited collection coverage, poor landfill compliance, and inadequate recycling infrastructure. Although overall waste volumes are lower, the environmental and social impacts per unit of waste remain significantly higher.
By targeting municipal, organic, agricultural, industrial, marine, and water-related waste, this challenge seeks to reduce environmental degradation, decrease reliance on landfills, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it aims to create scalable market opportunities and dignified jobs that strengthen local economies, reinforce circular value chains, and accelerate South Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger, clean water, affordable energy, and climate action, while supporting South Africa’s Just Transition strategy.
WHO CAN APPLY
The target audience is aimed at entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and the business community who are interested in providing high value solutions to waste-related challenges. The technology / solution must at least be at a proof-of-concept level (TRL4-5). However, prototypes that are ready for piloting and / or field testing are desirable ie at a technology readiness level of at least 6 ie an engineering-scale prototype that has been validated in conditions that closely mimic its intended operational environment.
For full eligibility details, please refer to: Eastern Cape Eligibility Criteria.
International applicants may participate in partnership with local registered entities, provided that localization, skills transfer, and job creation are central to the project proposal.
CHALLENGE PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Eastern Cape faces escalating waste management challenges. Improper waste disposal contaminates soil and water, attracts pests, and increases the risk of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Burning waste releases toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and respiratory illnesses. Landfills are overflowing, costly to maintain, and a major source of potent greenhouse gas emissions. Untreated sewage and industrial effluent pollute rivers and groundwater, while the informal recycling sector—though large—operates under unsafe conditions and lacks adequate support. Additionally, toxic, non-biodegradable, and industrial byproducts continue to end up in landfills, posing severe environmental hazards.
These issues are compounded by:
- Limited infrastructure for waste separation and sorting.
- Absence of food-grade downstream processing systems.
- Regulatory and policy barriers related to waste licenses, air emissions, and water-use permits.
- Weak enforcement of landfill bans.
- Financial constraints due to restricted access to capital for infrastructure.
- Logistical challenges across the waste value chain.
Challenge Objectives:
- Respond to environmental and climate pressures by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate adaptation.
- Stimulate inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation among communities, businesses, researchers, youth, and women.
- Drive sustainable job creation and local economic development through waste-based industries.
- Promote scalable, market-ready technologies and business models that can be replicated across the province.
- Contribute to building a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive circular economy for the Eastern Cape.
What We Are Looking For
We seek entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and businesses committed to delivering high-value, innovative solutions to address waste challenges in the Eastern Cape. Technologies or solutions should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher (proof of concept), with preference given to advanced, technically feasible prototypes ready for field testing. Solutions must demonstrate:
- A clear and growing market
- Strong potential for job creation
- Cost-effectiveness and high impact
- Low-cost, high-impact innovations are highly desirable
We are not looking for:
- Aggregated or existing technologies without significant innovation.
- Localization or adoption of foreign technologies, unless there is clear evidence of innovation through integration or redevelopment.
- Solutions requiring extensive piloting, prolonged testing, or lengthy certification processes.
- Concepts that are not economically or technically viable.
