2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards - Nominations

On 10 June 2025 we hosted the spectacular Western Cape Economy Innovation awards, where our leaders and the business community celebrated innovations that lead to a stronger economy and more jobs. Innovators and innovations across the private, academic, non-profit and public sectors were recognised for their great contributions.

 

This years red carpet event will again take place at the beautiful Cape Town City Hall, on 1 June.

 

Besides prizes, winners will gain great media exposure and benefit from broad-based recognition by very influential leaders. This includes a handshake and photo with the Premier of the Western Cape and the Mayor of Cape Town. Boosting the awareness and interest in what was achieved.

 

When we talk about innovation, we often think of new products, new technologies, new processes or business success. But the most powerful innovations do something more. They make our world, a better place. Their innovation not only benefits the innovators, but it makes a remarkable difference to many others.

 

So who are these champions, that do exactly what our society needs most? Please help us, to identify these amazing people, institutions and innovations, that is shaping a better future for us all.

 

Submit your nominations for the best candidates for these awards to innovation@capechamber.co.za by 28 February 2026.

 

 

 

We are not merely seeking creative ideas. We require innovative solutions which already benefit numerous other businesses in the Western Cape. Clear evidence of sustainable success, novelty and peer recognition is needed.

 

The broad definition of innovation is applicable, meaning the novelty of the solutions does not need to be first-ever on the planet. We gladly consider newness and novelty of good ideas transferred from other industries or parts of the world. Good ideas from other places must be context-specifically adapted to work well here, to serve and strengthen the Western Cape economy.

 

Examples of 2025 winners can be found on the Cape Chamber website.
 

 

1.  The scale of beneficial impact on the WC economy. How much did it contribute towards more investment, growth, and/or jobs?

 

2.  The number of businesses and employees benefiting, as a consequence of this innovation.

 

3.  And thirdly, the extent of novelty / newness. Is it a first in world idea, or an existing idea from elsewhere adapted to work here?

 

The adjudication panel needs to understand what has been achieved, and be sure that these claims are true. The required information is spelt out in the nomination forms.

 

 

1.  Read and follow the instructions provided in the hyperlinks below.

 

2.  You then need to submit an explanatory +- 3-page document and / or a brief video that communicates truthful answers to all the required questions. 

 

3.  After the nominations are shortlisted, you may need to provide more detailed evidence to prove the claims.

 

So please make the effort to submit a nomination, in order to give recognition to the champions we need more of.

 

We look forward to your nominations and thank you for helping us celebrate the champions shaping a better Western Cape economy!