Liquid SA Youth Tech Programme Celebrates 20 Graduates, Crowns Pitchathon Winner
Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa has celebrated the graduation of 20 young entrepreneurs from its flagship Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme.
The year-long initiative, which is currently running in the Eastern Cape and North West Province, aims to address youth unemployment by providing participants with advanced digital skills and entrepreneurial training.
The graduation ceremony took place on 25 June at Liquid’s head office in Johannesburg, where the participants received their certificates of completion. The event concluded with a pitchathon, in which four tech-driven start-ups presented their ideas to a panel of industry judges. ProLink, a digital platform designed to connect users in Mthatha with verified contractors, emerged as the winner. The start-up was awarded R100,000 (approximately $5,500 USD) in seed funding along with a 12-month business support package.
Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana, praised the programme’s impact, stating, “This programme proves the impact of investing intentionally in South Africa’s youth. By equipping young people with future-fit skills, we’re enabling them not just to participate in the digital economy, but to lead it.”
The programme has already shown tangible results. ProLink has created two new employment opportunities, and Okuhle Badli, COO of Otomex Innovations and founder of Nhanha Technologies, has been appointed Co-Chair for AI, Digital Innovation, Education, and Future of Work for Y20 South Africa 2025, the official youth engagement group of the G20.
Valencia Risaba, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa, highlighted the potential of these young entrepreneurs, noting that they are building scalable solutions that could expand nationally and across the continent. She added that, together with implementation partner Deviare, Liquid is proud to provide the support needed to unlock such potential.
The other start-ups that participated in the pitchathon included Otomex Innovations, which leverages AI to support mental health and well-being; The Eye of Tech, which focuses on expanding access to digital skills in rural communities; and HerdTrace, a female-led agritech venture aimed at transforming livestock management.
Participants underwent MICTSETA-accredited training in artificial intelligence and software development, complemented by comprehensive pre-incubation support to help turn innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises. In addition, all start-ups secured Azure credits through the Microsoft Founders Hub.
As South Africa marks Youth Month, initiatives like the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme reaffirm Liquid South Africa’s commitment to equipping the country’s youth with the skills, tools, and support needed to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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