The “Start-up Jerusalem South Africa” innovation contest is now open for entries. This contest, now in its fifth year, gives an opportunity to new start-up companies in South Africa for a once in a lifetime visit to Israel to experience the “Start-up Nation” to help grow their idea. Ambassador of Israel, Lior Keinan, said “We have seen an exceptional amount of great start ups here in South Africa, the theme for this year is so relevant for the South African industry and we look forward to helping these start-ups thrive.” The competition is hosted by the Embassy of Israel in cooperation with Startup Bootcamp, ORT SA, ORT JET and EL AL Airlines, Israel’s national airline, established in 1948, embodying Israel’s values of innovation. Start-up JLM South Africa has created a fitting theme for this year: Social Impact.
The competition is looking for passionate entrepreneurs between the ages of 24 and 35. Start-up JLM South Africa is searching for entries for novel companies that fall into the theme of Social Impact. The company’s products or services should aid in assistive tech, healthcare IT, medtech and digital health. Start-ups entering should still be in an early seed stage and the winner must be CEO or senior manager of the company.
A panel of expert judges will process entries, the top entries selected will pitch their companies to a panel of judges in Johannesburg in late August. The top six finalists will be invited to attend a gala final event in September 2018, where the winner will be announced.
The grand prize will include an all-expenses paid trip to Israel for one week to take part in a seminar by the Jerusalem Municipality from 11 – 17 November 2018. The South African winner, along with winners from 20 other countries will take part in this unique seminar, meet potential angel investors, start-up leaders and be exposed to the renowned Israeli start-up environment.
This is a unique opportunity for all South African start-ups who are seeking growth platforms and to learn from a start-up nation.
For more information and to enter the contest, please visit www.startupjlm.com or alternatively email embassyofisraelinsa@gmail.com
Closing dates for entries are Thursday 23rd of August 2018.