The Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDiHub), in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), UNIDO, and the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), has launched the National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) North-West. This transformative opportunity invites innovators to reimagine the province’s mining legacy by turning degraded mine lands into regenerative economic zones through Food–Water–Energy (FWE) nexus solutions.
Challenge Overview and Vision
The North West Province stands at a pivotal moment where environmental rehabilitation meets economic renewal. The NCIC seeks to demonstrate how clean-technology innovation can accelerate South Africa’s Just Transition by converting post-mining landscapes into productive community assets that restore ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Who Can Apply
The challenge welcomes bold applicants including:
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders with cleantech solutions
- Researchers and academic institutions with demonstration-ready innovations
- Community enterprises and cooperatives focused on local impact
- International partners collaborating with registered South African entities
Innovation Focus Areas
Proposals should address one or more of these priority themes:
- Rehabilitation & regeneration using nature-based or circular-economy methods
- Renewable energy systems such as solar microgrids or biogas plants
- Water efficiency technologies including mine-water treatment and greywater recycling
- Climate-smart agriculture like hydroponics, aquaponics, or agrivoltaics
- Waste-to-value solutions converting mining or agricultural waste into resources
- Inclusive community enterprise models empowering women, youth, and ex-mineworkers
What We’re Seeking
We prioritize solutions that demonstrate:
- Clear alignment with the FWE nexus and mine land repurposing
- Scalability, market potential, and community benefit
- Technical feasibility and environmental sustainability
- Localization, skills transfer, and job creation within the North West Province
Application Process and Support
Shortlisted innovators gain access to MDiHub’s incubation platform, investor pitching opportunities, and mentorship from industry experts. The challenge emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and business model development to help participants transform ideas into investable ventures.
Related opportunity: NCIC Limpopo Regenerative Emerging Agriculture Challenge
Why Join the NCIC North West
Participating innovators contribute to healing the environment while unlocking green jobs and positioning the North West as a national leader in Just Transition innovation. This is your opportunity to turn ecological challenges into economic opportunities. Apply today: Submit your proposal here
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