South African innovators and entrepreneurs could win R1-million in prize money thanks to Hangman, Cell C’s online reality show which aims to uncover South Africa’s greatest innovator.

Hangman is believed to be a global first in interactive, immersive entertainment that puts viewers in the driver’s seat. By “investing” in a virtual stock exchange, they can help determine the outcome of the show, while standing in line to win prizes.

The new 10-part reality show also gives wings to the aspirations of entrepreneurs who have identified a gap in the market and have come up with an innovation that fills that space and want to bring it to the market.

Hangman consists of two different content streams. The first is the actual reality online series – hosted by Maps Maponyane – which would traditionally be consumed on prime-time TV but will be streamed live online from October.

Innovators who are selected to be on the show will be put through a series of gruelling challenges, but their fate will be determined by more than performance alone.

They will have to win the approval of “backers”, captains of industry and investment with keen business acumen and ruthless standards. These include businesswoman Phuti Mahanyele, celebrity economist Iraj Abedian, self-made billionaire Quinton van der Burgh and Bonang Mohale, chairman of Shell South Africa Energy Limited.

The innovator who succeeds in garnering the support of the backers, while rallying viewer/“investor” sentiment, could walk away with a R1-million cash prize and the tools needed to succeed in a 21st century market.

Entries are now open to anyone residing or working in South Africa who wants to participate in the competition or just view the series. Download the Cell C Reality App on Android or iOS to access the shows and to register for the competition.

Access within the App will be zero rated for Cell C customers. Any breakout from the App will be charged as per current data depletion.

The closing date for entries is 21 July, with the show streaming online from 9 October to 11 December.