Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, announced on Monday that 20 young entrepreneurs have completed its Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme.
The year-long initiative, currently active in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and North West Province, aims to tackle youth unemployment by equipping participants with advanced digital skills and entrepreneurial training.
A graduation and pitch event was held on June 25at Liquid’s Johannesburg headquarters, where four start-ups presented to a panel of industry judges.
A 12-month business support package and R100,000 in seed funding were awarded to the winning start-up, ProLink, a digital platform that links users with verified contractors in Mthatha.
“This programme proves the impact of investing intentionally in South Africa’s youth. By equipping young people with future-fit skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, Cassava Technologies is proud to support grassroots innovation that addresses real-world challenges. For us, it’s about empowering the country’s youth, not only to participate in the digital future, but actively shape it. Well done to all the graduates and the pitching start-ups, and congratulations to ProLink,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.
Tangible outcomes of Liquid’s Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme
The initiative has already started to produce noticeable outcomes. Two new jobs have been created by ProLink, and Okuhle Badli, the founder of Nhanha Technologies and COO of Otomex Innovations, has been named Co-Chair for AI, Digital Innovation, Education, and Future of Work for Y20 South Africa 2025, the G20’s official youth engagement group.
“This graduation and pitchathon represent the unlocking of potential and the enabling of a generation of digital entrepreneurs. These young innovators are building solutions that have the potential to scale nationally and across the continent. Along with our implementation partner Deviare, Liquid South Africa is proud to provide the resources to enable this,” said Valencia Risaba, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa.
The Eye of Tech, which increases access to digital skills in rural areas; HerdTrace, a female-led agritech solution revolutionising livestock management; and Otomex Innovations, which uses AI to support mental health and well-being, were among the other startups pitching their businesses.
Participants received extensive pre-incubation support aimed at transforming creative concepts into profitable businesses, as well as MICTSETA-accredited training in software development and artificial intelligence. Azure credits were obtained by each of the startups through the Microsoft Founders Hub.
Programs like the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme demonstrate Liquid South Africa’s steadfast dedication to giving young people the business and technical know-how they need to succeed in the digital age. South Africa’s celebration of Youth Month also signifies a strong commitment to enabling the nation’s youth to make significant contributions to their own and their communities’ empowerment.