The Pitch UCT – Celebrating 10 years of student entrepreneurship at UCT

Dear colleagues and students

As we celebrate 10 years of student entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town (UCT), I am thrilled to announce the call for applications for The Pitch UCT and Pitch Plus. This is an exciting opportunity for students across all faculties to turn their innovative ideas into impactful ventures, and I invite all students to join us in this transformative journey.

The Pitch UCT, led by the Academic Representative Council within the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), is run in partnership with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The initiative is supported by the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika, the Solution Space at the Graduate School of Business, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the Residence Academic Development Committee (RADC) and UCT’s Careers Service.

The Pitch Plus is delivered in collaboration with UCT Flourish and the Development and Alumni Department as part of UCT’s DSA student success strategy.

The Pitch UCT is a testament to UCT’s dedication to creating positive societal impact. It showcases the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking and empowering students to become innovators and change-makers. Students will soon be invited to think creatively and pitch bold, practical solutions to address real challenges on our own campus – turning ideas into impact through the Pitch Plus.

This competition stands for resilience, creativity and transformation. It helps bold ideas become ventures that uplift communities and inspire lasting change. We encourage students to align their startups with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – whether in climate action, quality education, public health, gender equality, economic inclusion, zero hunger or partnerships for the goals.

The Pitch UCT is built on three core pillars:

• Entrepreneurial identity: Equipping students with the skills and platform to bring ideas to life.
• A culture of resilience and innovation: Celebrating creativity, courage and collaboration.
• A network that empowers: Connecting students with mentors, funding and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The competition provides students with a platform to present an idea that could change the world, with the support of mentors, industry leaders and a thriving community. For the past decade, The Pitch UCT has empowered over 1 000 students to transform ideas into real, impactful startups. What started as a RADC project has grown into one of UCT’s leading platforms for student entrepreneurship and innovation.

As we mark the 10th edition, we invite students to take the leap and begin their entrepreneurial journey.

The Pitch Plus is under way

The Pitch Plus is already in progress, with finalists from previous editions receiving coaching, mentorship and entrepreneurial well-being support. In partnership with UCT Flourish, in this phase The Pitch finalists will be equipped with strategies and tools for entrepreneurial well-being to help them build grit, cultivate a growth mindset and develop positive entrepreneurial leadership. This phase helps student entrepreneurs not only launch their ventures but sustain and scale them, reflecting UCT’s long-term commitment to student success and innovation and the holistic development of student entrepreneurs.

Why should you apply?

• Your idea matters: Past participants started with just a spark. Yours could be next.
• You belong here: Whether you’re starting fresh or scaling up, this is your space.
• It’s our 10th anniversary celebration: Meet alumni, connect with investors and join a legacy.
• Entrepreneurship is a journey: With the entrepreneurship journeys initiative, your path is supported every step of the way.
• The Pitch Plus: Finalists receive extended support, mentorship and entrepreneurial well-being guidance via UCT Flourish.

Key dates

• Applications are now open. Submit your application.
• Closing date: 13 April 2025
• Entrepreneurship journeys workshops: March–July 2025
• Semifinals validation: July 2025
• Finalists implementation phase: September 2025
• The Pitch Plus offerings: Ongoing
• Finals night showcase: October 2025

A call to UCT staff and academic mentors

Behind every student innovator is a mentor who gives them room to dream. The role of lecturers, staff and advisors is pivotal. Please encourage students to apply, refine their ideas and grow their confidence.

This initiative supports UCT’s Vision 2030 and the Department of Student Affairs’ Vision 2035 – empowering students to thrive through transformative and inclusive innovation.

Bonus: Introducing SparkTank 2025

For students who need help before applying, the university has introduced SparkTank 2025, which is UCT’s early-stage innovation challenge designed to help students develop solutions to real-world problems.

• Sign up to refine your concept and prepare for The Pitch UCT.

Following the success of SparkTank 2025, held in collaboration with the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika, we celebrate the students who participated and embraced the design thinking process. Congratulations to all who were equipped with the tools of innovation and ideation. Your energy and insight have set the stage for an inspiring 10th edition of The Pitch UCT.

For inquiries, please email The Pitch team.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements