Yesterday, City of Joburg mayor Parks Tau announced a #HackJozi Challenge for young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs looking to use their ideas and digital skills to address a need in the community but also take part in a mentorship programme.

Innovative entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35, working alone or as a team, are encouraged to apply take part in the #HackJozi bootcamp where they will be able to grow their ideas and win their share of R5 million worth of support for their startups.

To qualify for #HackJozi, you must have an idea that uses digital technology to address a need in the community and have valid matric certificate (with maths and science as subjects) or a diploma in information technology or a related field.

Entries must be submitted in the form of a short and creative video of no longer than two minutes that describes who you are, what you’re trying to do, why you’re doing it and a rough budget of how much financial support you’ll need to carry your project out. Your video must be uploaded onto YouTube and you must then add the link to it on the application form on the #HackJozi website.

Once participants are chosen, they’ll be hosted at one the city’s top digital hubs where various resources, mentors, advisors and #HackJozi partners will be available to make their vision of helping your community a reality.

“This will further entail a month long process of intensive business training, technical hackathons and a demo day where you will be required to demonstrate your business value proposition,” the City of Joburg says.

The deadline for #HackJozi applications is 13th February, successful candidates will be notified by 20th February.

[Source and image – #HackJozi]