Are you looking to take your business to the next level
We’re spotlighting in total 10 dynamic women, youth and persons with disabilities entrepreneurs as they pitch their promising business models to our panel of high-level judges in the form of a 3-minute elevator pitch followed by an interactive 5-minute Q&A. Will it be you on stage this year?
Could that be you on stage?
Even if you’re not pitching, this is the place to be to connect with forward-thinking business leaders, spark new ideas, and soak up the energy of the pitching den from the audience.
Seats are limited, so rally your team and grab your tickets today! We’ve got different ticket prices for different team sizes! Check out our registration page or email us at [email protected] .
Application for Pitching Den: Gauteng – 24 October 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, 25 August 2025
Enter your business into the pitching den at the AITC Expo & Conference.
10 pre-selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their promising business models to a panel of high-level thought leaders and business experts. The pitch will consist of a 3-minute elevator pitch followed by a 5-minute interactive Q&A session, where participants will receive valuable feedback on how to scale their businesses into market leaders.
To apply, complete the form below. Please note that if selected, you must attend in person, and all transportation and accommodation costs will be at your own expense.
One winner will take home a R10,000 cash prize.
It will be held in Gauteng, Convention Centre at the Emperors Palace (24 October 2025).
BUSINESS PITCH
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Please Take Note Of The Below
Step 1: Submit your detailed application form along with your 3-minute video introduction.
Step 2: Should you be selected as a finalist you will be invited to attend an online workshop with all of the finalists to prep you for your pitch. You will also be sent your “pitch kit pack” which will include a pitch deck template (no more than 12 slides) that you will need to populate, and pitch live at the conference. At the session you will learn how to deliver the perfect elevator pitch and how to make your pitch deck stand out from the rest as well as receive your pitch finalist social media badge.
Step 3: Pitch day at the 2-day AITC Expo & Conference. You will present your pitch deck live to the judges on 24 October 2025 and the audience in the form of a 3-minute elevator pitch with 5-minutes thereafter for judges to ask questions should they require any additional information. The winner will be announced at the event.
Step 4: One winner will take home a R10,000 cash prize.
It will be held in Gauteng, Convention Centre at the Emperors Palace (24 October 2025).
What documents do I need to provide when applying for business pitch?
Applicants are required to submit:
– Business pitch (maximum 10 pages, PDF format).
– Link to a short video presentation (maximum 3 minutes).
– Financial and operational summary (if available).
– Proof of eligibility (citizenship/residency or business registration document)
Who can apply for the business pitch?
The business pitch is open to all businesses with a special focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities led entrepreneurs. Applicants must hold a key leadership position in their business and demonstrate innovative, scalable solutions with potential for growth within the global market.
I am not sure if my country is going to be part of the AITC Expo. Can I still apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply regardless of your country of origin. However, you must be having a clear and actionable plan to expand into the global market.
Can I apply under more than one category?
No, applicants must select the category that best aligns with their project’s core area of innovation. Please carefully review the category descriptions to choose the most suitable option.
What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, applications will go through a three-stage evaluation process:
Qualification Stage:
Verification of eligibility and alignment with criteria.
Technical Analysis:
Expert evaluation based on innovation, impact, scalability, etc.
Final Review:
Strategic alignment assessment by Business Pitch Panel.
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, it will progress to you be invited to present to the Business Pitch Panel on 24 October 2025 at the Convention Centre at the Emperors Palace..
Who are the Business Pitch Panel evaluators?
The panel includes sector-specific experts from 24 Industry Sectors with deep knowledge of the respective categories and sectors. The final review will be conducted by the AITL Group and its partners, ensuring alignment with intra-Africa priorities and international relevance.
What other prises can be win at the AITC Expo & Conference?
A trip to Madrid, Spain (28-30 November 2025) includes:
Round-trip flights, accommodation, and stipend fully covered.
Participation in Exhibition to exhibit your product. Technical Mission with visits to key innovation hubs and business locations.
High-profile networking events with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Can I modify my application after submission my business pitch?
No, once your application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. We recommend thoroughly reviewing all documents and information before submission.
How will I be notified if I am selected to pitch?
Participants will be notified via the contact information provided during the application process. An official announcement will also be made on the AITC website and through official AITC communication channels.
What happens if I win and cannot attend the expo in Spain?
If you are unable to attend the exhibition in Spain, your participation in the exhibition and related activities may be arranged virtually. However, it is highly encouraged to attend in person to take full advantage of networking and promotional opportunities