The African Innovation Academy, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape, is launching a groundbreaking startup accelerator programme for Grade 11 and 12 pupils designed to equip South African students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
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The African Innovation Academy (AIA) is calling on high school pupils to take part in iAccelerate SA, a groundbreaking high school startup accelerator designed to equip South African students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and the private sector, fostering innovation among young leaders.
Inspired by iXperiment, Romania’s first high school startup accelerator, iAccelerate SA offers a structured four-month programme that guides students through the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to investment.
The curriculum, developed in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), provides students with hands-on experience in problem-solving, critical thinking, and business development.
As the host institution, UWC plays a pivotal role in providing resources, student recruitment support, and career guidance for Grade 11 and 12 participants. The university’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme will also support aspiring entrepreneurs in pursuing higher education and career development.
By fostering youth-led innovation and empowering students to become job creators rather than job seekers, iAccelerate SA is positioned to drive economic and social transformation across South Africa.
The iAccelerate SA programme for high school pupils features workshops in marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy, mentorship from local and international entrepreneurs, and a final competition where top projects secure further mentorship and funding opportunities.
The programme follows a structured four-stage approach:
The programme will conclude with the final pitch where students will present their projects to a panel of judges, investors, and entrepreneurs.
"The launch of iAccelerate SA marks a new era for youth entrepreneurship in Africa,” said Palesa Nangu, head of African Innovation Solutions and representative of the African Innovation Academy. “By equipping young minds with the tools to innovate and lead, we are shaping the future of South African business and beyond.”
The programme is open for Grade 11 and 12 pupils – for more information, email info@innovation.africa and to apply, log on to https://innovation.africa/aia-application-form/