Meet the ventures
Businesses turning waste into wealth.
From over 200 applications nationwide, eight prioritised ventures are receiving intensive one-on-one acceleration and funding — alongside 100+ businesses in group acceleration. Out of those, 12 organisations have been selected for funding.
The funded cohort
Cohort 1 - 2026
These are the top ventures chosen for funding from the one-on-one and group accelerator programme.
Sonke
Automated refill stations that eliminate single-use packaging — saving shoppers up to 50% while diverting millions of pieces of packaging from landfill.
Urban Surfer
Empowering informal waste reclaimers with branded trolleys, PPE, training and GPS-tracked recycling infrastructure — bringing dignity and stable income to the people who power recycling.
LiquidGold Africa
KwaZulu-Natal based Level 1 BBBEE company transforming human and organic waste into fertilisers and animal feed — using Black Soldier Fly bioconversion and urine-to-fertiliser technology to close the nutrient cycle.
The Compost Kitchen
Midrand-based vermicomposting service collecting food waste from households on e-bikes and returning premium earthworm compost — closing the organic waste loop and winning the UN Top 300 Best Practices in Sustainability award.
Greener Pastures
100% youth-led recycling company operating since 2013 in Benoni — offering industrial and commercial waste management, composting, cleaning and training services across South Africa.
Shonaquip PSE
Manufacturing purpose-designed Recycling Reclaimer Trolleys that amplify the efficiency of informal waste pickers — reducing waste going to landfill while improving livelihoods and dignity for reclaimers across South Africa.
GreenKidSA
South Africa's environmental operations platform — connecting citizens, waste collection workers and authorities in Bloemfontein and the Free State through smart waste reporting, real-time collection tracking and community rewards.
SAMANJALO
Mpumalanga-based venture producing green building materials from waste streams.
Madam Waste
Gauteng-based venture turning organic waste into compost.
Table Mountain Water
Western Cape-based venture focused on water reuse and recycling.
360 Social Impact
Gauteng-based venture converting food waste into valuable products.
Servicios Empresariales
Gauteng-based venture working in agro-waste and circular economy solutions.
Follow the cohort's journey.
Showcase events and venture stories are shared as they happen.