African deep tech founders seeking capital and commercial support now have a fresh opportunity as Savant is accepting applications for the fourth cohort of its Build Programme.
- African deep tech founders seeking capital and commercial support now have a fresh opportunity as Savant is accepting applications for...
- The South African venture-building firm announced that applications for the 2026 accelerator will close on 15 June, with the three-month...
- Funding and investor access on offer Top-performing startups in the cohort may receive grant funding of up to €80,000, equivalent to...
- Focus on climate and green economy innovation The 2026 Build Programme will include in-person workshops in Cape Town alongside virtual masterclasses...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Accelerator Programme — everything you need to know is covered below.
The South African venture-building firm announced that applications for the 2026 accelerator will close on 15 June, with the three-month programme set to begin in August. The initiative focuses on hardware and deep tech startups that build solutions for the climate and green economy sectors across Africa.
Savant said the programme targets founders developing technologies in areas such as sustainable energy, conservation, circular economy systems, waste management, decarbonisation and water efficiency. A smaller number of startups outside the climate sector will also be considered if they demonstrate strong deep tech potential.
Funding and investor access on offer
Top-performing startups in the cohort may receive grant funding of up to €80,000, equivalent to about R1.6 million. Selected ventures could also qualify for follow-on backing through the Savant Venture Fund.
Participating founders will gain access to investor networks, industry mentors and technical advisors. Savant added that startups accepted into the programme will continue receiving support for up to one year after completing the accelerator.
Nick Allen, Managing Partner at Savant, said many African technical founders struggle to secure the commercial guidance and fundraising support needed to scale their technologies.
He explained that hardware and deep tech companies often face manufacturing hurdles, longer development timelines and demanding investor due diligence processes that traditional accelerators are not structured to handle.
Focus on climate and green economy innovation
The 2026 Build Programme will include in-person workshops in Cape Town alongside virtual masterclasses and mentorship sessions. Founders will receive guidance on market strategy, fundraising, product development, operations, intellectual property and financial planning.
Savant said the accelerator was created after years of working with science and engineering ventures across Africa. The firm believes many technically skilled founders fail to attract investment because they lack business development support, not technical ability.
The company reported that startups from previous cohorts have collectively raised more than R150 million after participating in the programme. Alumni firms also recorded average revenue growth of 150 per cent following completion of the accelerator.
African startups already benefiting
Some startups that have passed through the programme include AI Diagnostics and Pyroltech in South Africa, as well as ventures from Tunisia, Morocco and Nigeria. Savant noted that female founder participation across earlier cohorts exceeded 35 per cent, above wider African venture capital averages.
To qualify for Cohort 4, applicants must be operating in an African country, actively seeking funding, and building proprietary hardware or deep-tech products. Startups should also have proof of concept and early market traction.
The programme is supported by Savant, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit and the Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Interested applicants should apply here.