Start-ups take to the stage change the world (CTW) 2026 last week in Cape Town, it was presented to a panel of judges to secure funding and scale.
Urobo Biotech Won the top prize in this event. A Stellenbosch-based start-up is transforming bioplastic waste processing through enzymatic solutions that break down bioplastics into high-value fuels and chemicals such as lactic acid, which can then be sold on to other markets.
LightAceutics And arable Claimed second and third place respectively. earlier development has taken place Aye-powered smart glasses for visually impaired communities, while the latter builds modular vertical farms that produce sustainable fresh produce for urban markets.
CTW is a social entrepreneurship platform and investment showcase that brings together impact-driven start-ups and investors. Last year, CTW launched its first cluster in Johannesburg and in 2026, expanded the platform to Cape Town in collaboration with. Hult Prize Foundation.
At the Cape Town event, a group of 11 finalists were given just four minutes to present their businesses live in front of a panel of judges, followed by an additional two minutes to ask questions.
Tips for Start-up Success
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Professor Eldrid Jordan shared his experiences of building GovChat, a citizen-government engagement platform launched in 2018 to improve accountability. Service Distribution.
Jordan attributed the success of the platform to three things: co-creation, access, and trust. At its peak, GovChat was used by just over 10 million people, sending over 750 million messages every day.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the event, branding experts gave this insight to entrepreneurs Advice About the importance of storytelling in building a brand and the success of a start-up.
He highlighted that when people think of a brand, they often think of the visuals – like the logo or brand colors – but this is not as important as the quality of the product or service delivered and how the company makes customers feel.
Explaining why he started CTW, Francisco da Silva shared that after spending time working with entrepreneurs around the world, it became clear to him that there was a big gap in South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem – collaboration.
“Change the World is about bringing together the right stakeholders and entrepreneurs so that we can not only support the businesses of the future, but also play an active role in shaping the future of Africa.”
Jordan reminded the founders in the room that African entrepreneurs have something unique to offer the world. “What makes the African continent different is that our innovation is not abstract; it is made up of our lived experiences, and that is very powerful.”