Four Swiss ventures participated in the Swiss-South African Cleantech Challenge, which is part of the Academia-Industry Training Cleantech program. This initiative culminated in a pitching contest held at the South Africa Innovation Summit. Subasol, a manufacturer of innovative photovoltaic (PV) storage systems, secured first prize by impressing the jury with its compelling pitch.
Hosted by Swiss Leading House Africa, the Academia-Industry Training Cleantech program in South Africa (SA) is designed for Swiss startups explore Sub-Saharan Africa's burgeoning cleantech market, which according to the South African Wind Energy Association, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, (REIPPPP) has attracted approximately USD 16 billion in investment since its inception. This business development trip featured customer visits, research partner connections, and business training, giving the startups a platform for market access, validation, and testing in SA.
The four Swiss ventures that participated in the AIT Cleantech Africa are:
Subasol – manufactures three-phase storage systems specifically for photovoltaic (PV) installations in Africa, emphasizing local assembly to support regional economies. Their solutions aim to enhance energy accessibility and reliability in off-grid and rural areas. By leveraging renewable energy, they contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
Neology Hydrogen – developed a technology that converts ammonia into hydrogen, providing a cost-effective hydrogen supply for stationary energy systems and heavy mobility, including combustion engines and fuel cells. By leveraging ammonia's ease of storage and transportation, which is far simpler and cheaper than gaseous hydrogen, Neology reduces hydrogen costs by 70%. Their decentralized ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking devices make clean energy accessible and affordable globally. This innovation supports the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Gaia Turbine – introduced a plug-and-play hydroelectric turbine with a dual rotor design, optimized for minimal water flows and aqueduct applications. This compact system provides a renewable energy solution for areas with small-scale water resources. It is ideal for communities or installations that need to harness low-intensity hydroelectric power efficiently.
Soft Power – focuses on creating innovative products and solutions to decarbonize the cooking sector in developing economies. Their mission is to reduce reliance on traditional, polluting fuels like wood and charcoal, while offering sustainable alternatives. Through their efforts, they aim to improve health outcomes and mitigate environmental impact in underdeveloped regions.
Pitch competition at SA Innovation Summit
The first part of the program took place in South African from September 19 to 20, 2024, in Cape Town during the SA Innovation Summit where startups pitched their solutions to the audience. A panel of SA investors and experts selected Subasol as the winner, while Neology as runner-up.
“The visit from Swiss Startups has again shown the opportunity for Swiss technologies in cleantech in South Africa and beyond. The program’s goals of enabling an understanding of the market and creating collaborative opportunities with industry and academia have been met and now we look forward to seeing how the promise can deliver impact in the future” Douglas Haggstrom, Swiss Leading House Africa.
A reciprocal exchange is yet to follow, as five South African entrepreneurs are set to visit Switzerland later this year or early 2025, supported by the Technology Innovation Agency.
(RAN)
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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