On a cool winter evening, Cape Town City Hall buzzed with excitement as the Western Cape Innovation Awards 2025 unfolded. Hosted by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this glamorous event not only celebrated entrepreneurial brilliance but showcased home-grown innovations poised to shape South Africa’s economic future.
Honouring Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth
A total of 14 awards across four categories were handed out, recognising individuals, businesses, and organisations who are driving the Western Cape’s economic growth. As Cape Chamber CEO John Lawson remarked, “Innovation is the magic ingredient that drives us forward — our innovators are our trailblazers.”
Beyond the glittering trophies and applause, the awards serve a larger purpose: reinforcing the Western Cape’s commitment to its Growth for Jobs strategy, positioning innovation at the heart of sustainable development.
Cubespace: Taking South African Technology to the Stars
Among the evening’s standout stories was Stellenbosch-based Cubespace, led by entrepreneur Mike Kearney. The space technology company has made waves internationally by producing satellite control systems for global giants, including NASA. In a video address, Kearney captured the audience’s imagination: “We are completely changing the game. Our customers need to build satellites quickly and affordably to make their business models work — and we’re helping them do exactly that.”
South African-made systems come at a fraction of the cost compared to US or European alternatives, Kearney noted. “We have great engineers, incredible tech, and our manufacturing costs are significantly lower. South Africa can compete globally — and in many ways, we hold the advantage.”
Revolutionising Construction: The Green Building Innovators
Sustainability was another major theme of the evening. Johan Coetzee’s Zerocrete impressed judges with its groundbreaking low-carbon concrete made from non-recyclable plastic and fabric waste. “We’ve changed the entire DNA of concrete,” Coetzee shared. The result? A construction material with an 80% smaller carbon footprint — and even better performance than conventional concrete.
Similarly, a world-first recycled plastic bucket was honoured for its superior quality and environmental benefits, demonstrating that recycling and innovation can go hand-in-hand.
Public Sector Powerhouses
Public sector innovation also had its moment in the spotlight. The City of Cape Town’s Ease of Doing Business Programme received accolades for streamlining bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a more business-friendly environment. The Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs Programme was similarly recognized for its strategic approach to long-term economic development.
Civil Society’s Unsung Heroes
The evening wasn’t only about high-tech and industry. Civil society organisations like the Development Action Group (DAG) and the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) were celebrated for their extraordinary impact. DAG’s affordable housing initiatives are helping address Cape Town’s housing crisis, while PSFA’s remarkable feat of serving over two billion meals across 67 years remains a shining example of sustained community commitment.
Looking Ahead: Innovation as South Africa’s Future
The evening ended on a high note, with FNB Western Cape Commercial Head Stephan Claasen expressing optimism for South Africa’s economic prospects. “There is strong investor appetite from both Chinese and US firms. Innovation will be the key to capitalising on this next growth cycle.”
As guests mingled beneath the grand chandeliers of City Hall, the night served as a powerful reminder: in the Western Cape, innovation is more than a buzzword — it’s a way of life.
