Charnte Marthinus of Smartview Technology was named the overall winner of the GCIP Awards 2023/24 at an awards ceremony often compared to the Oscars for cleantech industry. The awards ceremony was hely at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offices in Pretoria.
SmartView Technology is driving sustainability with net-zero digital utility management for businesses. Its SaaS utility management solution is leading the way in providing real-time, actionable insights to drive your ESG initiatives, reduce costs and promote the sustainable use of resources.
The company’s solutions are used by major brands such as Heineken, Virgin Active, Pepsico, Grupo Bimbo, etc.
“This isn’t just a victory for us; it’s a leap towards a sustainable future,” wrote Keenan George, CEO of Smartview Technology, on his LinkedIn page.
“Every ounce of effort, creativity and determination from our team has led to this moment, showcasing our commitment to eco-innovation and a greener planet.”
George added that this success is a testament to what we can achieve with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“It propels us forward in our pursuit of sustainable solutions and a better world.
“To our incredible team, thank you for your passion and perseverance. Together, we’re not just innovators, we’re pioneers in sustainability pushing boundaries and making tangible impacts.”
The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMMEs in South Africa (GCIP-SA) is part of a global initiative that aims to address the most pressing energy, environmental and economic issues of our time by promoting clean technology innovation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups.
Specific focus areas are energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste recycling (including e-waste), water efficiency and green buildings, green transport and environmental protection (air, sea and land).
Each year, the GCIP-SA combines an annual competition with a business accelerator programme where SMEs and start-ups are continuously trained, mentored and assessed on their business models, investor pitches, communication and financial skills to develop a more marketable and investor-attractive product and company.
The programme culminates in the annual gala and awards ceremony where the winner and two runners-up are announced.
The GCIP-SA was integrated into the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in January 2018 after running as a donor-funded project for four years. The programme was launched in South Africa in 2014 and implemented jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and TIA with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
TIA is an agency of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), a national public institution that acts as a central institutional intervention bridging the innovation gap between research and development by universities, science councils, public institutions and the private sector as well as commercialisation.
TIA plays a central role in the National Innovation System as an active funder, connector, facilitator and enabler.
In addition to a cash prize and business support, the winning SME or start-up will also have the opportunity to attend the Cleantech Open Global Forum in California, USA, to join a network of investors and potential partners and compete with winners from other GCIP countries.
Other winners include:
- Pheladi Chiloane of Sola4Africa received the Innovation for Social Impact Award
- Lesley Mukwada from The Chemistry Solutions Company was recognised as runner-up in the prestigious GCIP Awards 2023/24
- Nonhlanhla Nkosi of PowerHike Solar Technologies was honoured with the title of Most Improved Semi-Finalist at the GCIP Awards 2023/24
- Eric Khoza of Tyrec was honoured as runner-up at the GCIP Awards 2023/24
- Tumi Frazier of 4th Wave Tech (PTY) Ltd. received the award for Best Female-led Team at the GCIP Awards 2023/24.
Also read: Momint Crowned Entrepreneur of the Year At EPF Tech Awards
Momint, the Cape Town-headquartered blockchain firm specialising in real assets and legal contracts, achieved the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural EPF Tech Awards. The awards ceremony, often likened to the Oscars for innovators, unfolded at the glamorous The Ballroom, Monte Casino in Johannesburg.
Distinguished for its groundbreaking contributions, Momint showcased its innovative solutions at the EPF Tech Awards, where exceptional minds were recognized across diverse categories.
The Momint platform stands out for streamlining transactions through its integrated digital wallet and leveraging decentralized finance to transform the landscape of solar investments.
