Savant Launches Build Accelerator for Climate & Deep-Tech Startups

Cape Town – Savant has announced the opening of applications for Cohort 4 of its Build Programme, a unique investment readiness accelerator designed specifically for African deep-tech and hardware founders. The programme offers up to €80,000 (R1.6 million) in grant funding for top performers.

The Savant Build Programme provides three months of intensive support that combines venture-building expertise, engineering guidance, commercial strategy, investor readiness training, mentorship, and access to strategic networks. This year’s cohort will prioritize startups developing solutions within climate-tech and the green economy sectors, including areas like decarbonization, sustainable energy, resource efficiency, circular economy initiatives, water management, and waste reduction.

“We invest in founders beyond capital,” said Nick Allen, Managing Partner at Savant. “Technical founders are solving some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, but they need specialized support that goes beyond what traditional accelerators offer.” He noted that hardware and deep-tech ventures face unique hurdles like longer development cycles, manufacturing complexity, supply chain issues, intellectual property considerations, and more rigorous technical due diligence.

Startups accepted into Cohort 4 will participate in a blend of in-person workshops in Cape Town and online masterclasses covering critical areas such as go-to-market strategy, product development, financial modeling, fundraising best practices, operations management, team building, and intellectual property protection. Alumni companies have demonstrated significant success after completing the programme, with collective funding raised exceeding R150 million and average revenue growth of 150%.

The application deadline for Cohort 4 is June 15, 2026. Savant is seeking founders who are building proprietary hardware or deep-tech solutions in African countries, actively seeking capital at the pre-seed to seed stage, with a demonstrable proof of concept and early market traction.

For more information about the Build Programme and application requirements, visit https://www.savantafrica.com/build.