Innovation City, in collaboration with Absa and Payfast by Network, hosted the 2026 Startup of the Year Awards, celebrating South African startups driving growth, innovation, and global expansion.
The event took the form of a high-energy pitch competition. Still Good, a startup focused on reducing food waste by connecting consumers to discounted surplus and near sell-by-date products through a technology-enabled platform that matches retailers with consumers in real time, was crowned Startup of the Year.
“It was a privilege to serve as a judge and engage with the top 10 startups. At Absa, we believe in backing small businesses, which are a key driver of economic growth and job creation in South Africa. What stood out in these awards was the level of innovation, and how effectively these startups are turning ideas into practical solutions that address real challenges faced by customers, businesses, and communities. Many of these finalists are also leveraging technology in thoughtful ways to scale their impact and reach,” says Tamu Dutuma, head of strategy and transformation for Absa Africa Regions Technology.
Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in the economy, supporting approximately 60% of employment and contributing about 34% of GDP. These figures underscore their importance to economic activity and job creation, reinforcing the need for platforms that support and showcase emerging businesses.
Since its launch in 2022, Innovation City’s Startup of the Year Competition has grown into a respected platform that supports early-stage, high-potential businesses in scaling from emerging players into recognised industry leaders. Finalists are selected based on rigorous criteria, including team strength, market viability, and demonstrated revenue traction, and are given the opportunity to pitch to a panel of investors, corporates, and ecosystem enablers.
“Startup of the Year is designed to unlock meaningful opportunities for founders by connecting them with the right networks, capital, and expertise,” says Michelle Kleu, CEO of Innovation City. “We are excited to have partners like Absa and Payfast on board this year. Beyond the event itself, we hope this platform continues to evolve into something more enduring, where startups can access meaningful networks, and find the support and exposure they need as they grow their businesses.”
As the winner, Still Good walked away with several prizes worth over R500 000 and the opportunity to work with a UX design and brand agency to help strengthen the company’s customer experience, brand positioning, and overall market presence. The prize also includes access to Innovation City’s unique Kloof Street workspace, as well as access to its broader community, including curated business events and networking opportunities.
“Building a startup is hard, building a business is hard you lose more than you win. The key is just to make sure that your wins and your magnitude add up to more than your accumulative losses. Winning Startup of the Year is a great validation for what we do; it helps us push and carry on building,” says Steffen Burrows, Still Good CEO.
“The calibre of startups in this year’s cohort reflects the strength and momentum of South Africa’s innovation landscape,” says Grant Carter, CIO of Payfast by Network. “We congratulate all the finalists for their innovation, resilience, and ambition to build and scale their businesses.”
As the ecosystem continues to evolve, collaboration between partners will remain key to unlocking scale, enabling startups not only to grow locally, but to compete and succeed on a global stage.