SWEAT Africa Tech Event 2026 – The Community Accelerator

SWEAT Africa Tech Event 2026: The Community Accelerator is a two-day immersive event designed to inspire and equip young Africans to pursue careers in entrepreneurship and deep tech.

Hosted in the heart of the Winelands just outside Stellenbosch, SWEAT brings together venture capitalists, LPs, and angel investors alongside university spinouts, early-stage founders, and deep-tech startups. The program features deep-tech pitching with startups participating in OSTI’s BRAIN 5.0 accelerator programme, founder and investor storytelling, curated networking, and practical workshops on building companies from university IP — all balanced with outdoor activities, a traditional spit braai, and an unforgettable live music experience to close off the weekend in true South African style

From high-impact networking and startup–VC matchmaking to active sunset sessions, curated Pitchin’ Picnics, a SWEAT panel in the style of Hot Ones, and a live music after-party, SWEAT is where ambitious ideas meet community, capital, and momentum.

Who should attend:

LPs, VCs, and angel investors; startups and deep-tech founders; mentors, coaches, TTOs, and ecosystem builders; and senior STEM students preparing to enter or build within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Event Details:

Date and Time:

Friday, 13 February | 13:30-20:00

Saturday, 14 February | 08:30- 21:00

Venue: Bertha Retreat, Boschendal Wine Estate, Helsghoogte (R310, York Farm, Main Road, Languedoc, Pniel, 7690).

Book your ticket

VCs & LPs – Free

Industry Partners – Free

Optional: “Sponsor a Startup” contribution available during checkout

Startups & Founders – R750

Mentors & Coaches – R750

Ecosystem Builders / TTOs / Advisors – R750

Senior Students (Make ’Em SWEAT Program) – R30

Entry via lottery. 50 Students will be selected. Attendance at key sessions required and bingo card participation encouraged for full access (including after-party with Sunset Sweatshop). Students entering the raffle will be contacted directly with further details regarding participation in the programme.

Note: SWEAT is a not-for-profit event.