20 young entrepreneurs have graduated from Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, a year-long initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment through advanced digital skills development and entrepreneurial support.
The graduation ceremony was held on 25th June 2025 at Liquid’s head office in Johannesburg, where four technology start-ups pitched their businesses to a panel of industry judges. ProLink, a digital platform connecting users with verified contractors in Mthatha, emerged as the winning start-up, securing R100,000 in seed funding and a 12-month business support package.
The programme currently running in the Eastern Cape and North West Province provides training accredited by the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority(MICTSETA) in artificial intelligence(AI) and software development, along with comprehensive pre-incubation support designed to translate innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises.
According to Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana, Ziaad Suleman Saud, “By equipping young people with future-fit skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, Cassava Technologies is proud to support grassroots innovation that addresses real-world challenges.”
In addition the other participating start-ups included Otomex Innovations, which leverages AI to support mental health and well-being; The Eye of Tech, which expands access to digital skills in rural areas and HerdTrace, a female-led agritech solution transforming livestock management.
All start-ups secured Azure credits via the Microsoft Founders Hub, further supporting their growth and development.
The programme underscores Liquid South Africa’s commitment to equipping young people with the technical and business skills necessary to thrive in the digital future.
photograph: Liquid SA
