Innovate Durban

03/09/2026

Are you working in the Green Economy space?

Don't miss out on the Green Economy Accelerator, selected participants stand to each receive grant funding of R200K from Nedbank.

Applications are open: Green Economy Accelerator >>> Powered by Nedbank

The Green Economy Accelerator is an 18-month programme for KwaZulu-Natal businesses / enterprises in agriculture, energy, water or waste who've moved past the idea stage.

The programme will strengthen governance & compliance, financial management market access, environmental performance, and provide milestone linked funding with a focus on job creation.
Women, youth, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on the 07 September 2026

Register Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/kYkGFQBgYQ
Please note: Due to the volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

03/09/2026

Future makers start here.

Join us for the Kids Maker Club on 17 October 2026 for a hands-on robotics and 3D printing experience designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in young minds.

Kids will enjoy interactive tech activities, exciting builds, and snacks, while parents can relax with a good cup of coffee.

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Innovate Durban, Innovation CoLab 240 Harry Gwala Rd, Wiggins, Durban
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: R300 per child

Limited spaces available.
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fvxCMKnPet

02/09/2026

The Innovate Durban team attended the 4th Annual Nedbank Green Economy Indaba held at the Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg. The day was a showcase of the impact of partnerships and collaboration in the sector.

Our CEO, Aurelia Astrid Albert, took part in a fireside chat to spotlight our newly launched Green Economy Accelerator Programme, powered by Nedbank — Innovate Durban's latest initiative to fast-track green enterprises and sustainable innovation across the region.

Proud to be part of the conversations shaping a greener, more resilient Durban.

02/09/2026

Innovation doesn't take one form, that is why we're accepting nominations across ALL sectors:
Technology & Digital Innovation
Social Innovation & Community Impact
Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
Agriculture & Agritech
Healthcare & Biotech
Green Economy & Sustainability
Creative Industries & Design
Education & Skills Development
Tourism & Hospitality Innovation

"Start with the real problem. Don't make one up. The most impactful innovations come from observing everyday challenges." — Keyuren Maharaj, CityMender SA, one of last year's ten featured innovators.

Whatever sector they're in, if they're solving a real problem, we want to hear about them.

Nominate now 👇
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/uG6XJjiD50

31/08/2026

Nominations are OPEN 🎉

Innovate Durban is calling for the province's boldest, most determined problem-solvers.

Last year's Innovators of KwaZulu-Natal 2025/26 cohort included a civic-tech founder, a rural agri-processor, a charcoal entrepreneur turned circular-economy builder, and more — real people, real impact, real stories told in their own words.

Know someone who is changing the game in KZN? Or are you the one leading the change?

👉 Nominate today — https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/uG6XJjiD50

31/08/2026

Applications are open: Green Economy Accelerator >>> Powered by Nedbank
The Green Economy Accelerator is an 18-month programme for KwaZulu-Natal businesses / enterprises in agriculture, energy, water or waste who've moved past the idea stage. The programme will strengthen governance & compliance, financial management market access, environmental performance, and provide milestone linked funding with a focus on job creation.

Women, youth, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on the 07 September 2026
Register Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/kYkGFQBgYQ
Please note: Due to the volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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28/08/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀: 28 August 2026 | 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀: 21 September 2026

Want to be part of the Startup Support Accelerator?

Follow these 3 steps to secure your spot:
1. Apply to be part of the Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
2. Participate in the Startup Clinic Week (14–16 October 2026)
3. Reach the Top 15

The 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟱 will secure their spot in the 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, launching January 2027!

Apply to one of four theme tracks: (Only 25 spots available per track)

Logistics
Waste
Cultural and Creative Industries (focus on Film)
Agriculture

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 → https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/xg6xWLCq0Y

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: This call for applications forms part of your selection process into the Startup Support Accelerator, which begins in January 2027. This 6-month accelerator programme provides business support, technical assistance, and mentorship to help your venture reach a market-ready stage.

To qualify for the programme, you must:

• Be ready to start your journey as an innovator and entrepreneur
• Be selected in the Top 15 from the Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
• Commit to the full 6-month accelerator programme (January–June 2027)
• Be available to attend workshops, both in-person and hybrid

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
eThekwini Municipality | Old Mutual | American Spaces | Transnet | Adams&Adams | DurbanFilmMart

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

Innovate Durban opens its doors to its first Premium Co-Working space available in Musgrave, Durban!

The Innovate Durban premium Co-Working space is available for bookings with access to business grade amenities such as interactive touch screens for collaboration and video conferencing, high speed WIFI, flexible spaces, great coffee, safe and secure parking in an easily accessible location.

Choose how you want to work with a variety of options available from hourly to full day or monthly bookings. We can also accommodate you as an individual or in groups.

We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming the new year with this new offering.

Book now: https://innovate.durban/co-working-space/

24/08/2026

Two days. One workshop. A team that thinks sharper, aligns faster, and builds what's actually worth building.
Durban, 27 & 28 August, limited seats at R3,150pp.

Build a team that can think, align, and decide, not just automate.
Design Thinking Workshop | 27 & 28 August | Durban

Register here: https://innovate.durban/design-thinking/