African Climate Startups Can Win €80K in New Program

Getting a climate tech startup off the ground just got a lot easier for African founders thanks to a program that combines serious funding with hands-on support.

The Savant Build Programme opens applications today for its fourth cohort, offering early-stage green-tech and climate-tech founders across Africa a shot at transforming their ideas into reality. Select graduates can receive grants up to €80,000 (roughly R1.6 million) after completing the intensive three-month program.

Starting in August 2026, accepted founders will participate in in-person workshops with industry leaders in Cape Town, supplemented by online masterclasses designed to sharpen growth strategies and prepare startups for investment. The program draws on Savant's two decades of experience supporting hardware and deeptech companies.

Beyond the grant money, participants gain access to something arguably just as valuable: Savant's extensive network of investors and industry experts who can open doors that typically stay closed to early-stage founders. The program also includes free credits and discounts for essential software tools like AWS, Zoho, and Hubspot.

The support doesn't vanish after three months either. Graduates receive a full year of post-program advisory support to help them hit critical milestones, and exceptional performers might even secure investment from the Savant Venture Fund.

The Ripple Effect

This program arrives at a crucial moment for African innovation. Climate change hits the continent especially hard, yet African founders often struggle to access the capital and mentorship available to their counterparts in Silicon Valley or London. By prioritizing green-economy and climate-tech solutions while reserving spots for standout founders in other sectors, Savant is betting on African ingenuity to solve planetary problems.

The combination of substantial grants, expert guidance, and ongoing support creates a launchpad that could accelerate solutions we desperately need. When climate founders succeed, everyone benefits from cleaner energy, sustainable agriculture, and innovative approaches to environmental challenges.

Interested founders have until June 15, 2026 to submit their applications, giving them plenty of time to prepare a compelling case for why their solution deserves backing.

African entrepreneurs are already proving they can build world-changing technology with the right support behind them.