Entries open for V&A Waterfront’s Circular Innovation Challenge

Solve and the V&A Waterfront are calling on designers, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, businesses, and non-profit organisations to enter the Circular Innovation Challenge 2025. The initiative is aimed at sparking creativity, collaboration, and leadership in the circular economy across Southern Africa.

Image credit: V&A Waterfront

Those interested are asked to present solutions-driven ideas that address urgent environmental and social challenges while shaping a more sustainable future.

Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their concepts to a panel of leading experts in circularity at the South Africa Circular Summit on 23 October 2025 in Cape Town.

The overall winner will receive:

A R250,000 cash investment towards their business.
Mentorship and customised training valued at R100,000.
Access to strategic business networks.
Exposure opportunities, including the chance to test products and services at the V&A Waterfront.

Image credit: Brit Stubbs on Dupe Photos

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“Through the Circular Innovation Challenge, we want to empower a new wave of change-makers who will redefine how Southern Africa approaches sustainability, innovation, and business growth,” said Heather Parker, director of Solve V&A Waterfront.

Applications close on 15 September 2025. Interested participants are encouraged to visit solve.waterfront.co.za to check eligibility and submit their entries.