Le Shift Lab, a strategic partnership between the French Embassy in South Africa and Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (WITS University), invites early-stage founders across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to apply for its Green+Digital Transformation Incubation Programme. This fully funded opportunity supports visionary entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions at the intersection of climate technology and digital innovation.
Programme Overview and Eligibility
Le Shift Lab targets pre-revenue startups with prototypes or post-revenue ventures trading for less than two years. Applicants must be at least 51% owned by citizens or permanent residents of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi, with one founder working full-time on the venture. Solutions must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, 11, 12, or 13.
What Founders Receive
Participants gain access to:
- A structured 5-module curriculum over 9 months covering business validation, green tech deep-dives, market access, investment readiness, and pitch perfection
- Monthly 1:1 mentor calls with industry veterans (7 sessions total)
- Virtual consultations with WITS research units
- Demo Day showcase before international investors on 18 March 2027
- Potential immersion trip to France’s tech ecosystem (ChangeNow or VivaTech 2027)
- Zero programme fees with travel support provided for Demo Day
Application Timeline and Process
Applications opened Monday, 13 April 2026, and close Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 23:59 SAST. The selection process includes application screening (21-22 May), expert review (22-24 May), virtual pitch sessions (25-27 May), and cohort announcement on 29 May 2026. Incubation begins 4 June 2026.
Related opportunity: Apply Now: Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 Offers $300k in Grants
SMME-Friendly Design
Le Shift Lab requires only 8-12 hours per month, using an alternating week model to minimise disruption to founders’ daily operations. The programme encourages applications from women-led ventures, youth-led teams (founders aged 18-35), and businesses headquartered in Lesotho or Malawi.
How to Apply
Visit the application portal, create an account, complete the form, upload required documents (company profile, pitch deck, founder CVs, financial statements if post-revenue), and submit before the deadline. For enquiries, contact greendigital@tshimologong.joburg.
Apply here: Application Portal Link
Stay Updated
Want to stay informed about more funding opportunities,grants, business support programmes, tenders, incubators, training, and SMME resources in South Africa? Follow our updates on the StepApp Network:
- WhatsApp Channel: Follow StepApp Updates
- Facebook Page: Follow us
- WhatsApp Group: Join here
- LinkedIn Profile: Connect with StepApp
- X (Twitter): Follow StepApp SA on X
