Johannesburg: Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, has announced that twenty young entrepreneurs have graduated from its Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme. The year-long programme, currently running in the Eastern Cape and North West Province, aims to address youth unemployment through advanced digital skills development and entrepreneurial support.
According to African Press Organization, the graduates received their certificates of completion at Liquid's head office in Johannesburg on 25 June. The event culminated in four technology start-ups pitching their businesses to a panel of industry judges. ProLink, a digital platform for connecting users with verified contractors in Mthatha, emerged as the winning start-up, securing R100,000 in seed funding and a 12-month business support package.
Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana, emphasized the programme's impact on investing in South Africa's youth by equipping them with future-fit skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. He congratulated the graduates and the pitching start-ups, highlighting ProLink's achievement.
The other start-ups pitching their businesses included Otomex Innovations, focusing on AI for mental health support; The Eye of Tech, expanding digital skills access in rural areas; and HerdTrace, an agritech solution for livestock management.
Participants received MICTSETA-accredited training in artificial intelligence and software development, along with comprehensive pre-incubation support designed to translate innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises. All the start-ups secured Azure credits via the Microsoft Founders Hub.
Initiatives like the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme underscore Liquid South Africa's commitment to equipping young people with the necessary technical and business skills to thrive in the digital future. As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, this initiative represents a firm commitment to ensuring that the country's youth can contribute meaningfully to their empowerment and their communities.