Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Pitch UCT

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) flagship student entrepreneurship programme and competition, The Pitch UCT, will mark its 10th annual edition on Monday, 29 September 2025 under the theme “From Campus to Continent: 10 Years of Entrepreneurial Vision”.

The Pitch UCT is led by the Academic Representative Council in the Department of Student Affairs in partnership with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The initiative is supported by the Hasso Plattner d-school Africa, the Solution Space at the Graduate School of Business, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the Residence Academic Development Committee (RADC), UCT Career Services and the Development and Alumni Department (DAD).

The Pitch UCT and Pitch Plus (year two) are delivered in collaboration with UCT Flourish and DAD, further strengthening the link between entrepreneurship, student success and alumni engagement.

Since its inception and incubation as a project of the RADC, The Pitch UCT has empowered more than 1 000 students towards turning ideas into ventures or startups to scaled up ventures that uplift communities and inspire lasting change. It is a brave statement that entrepreneurship is not simply a fun activity or exercise; it is the place where creativity meets entrepreneurial thinking to address challenges in our society. We believe entrepreneurial thinking is contagious. One individual’s determination builds a stronger community and together they forge pathways to societal transformation.

The Pitch UCT is building stronger connections with alumni, recognising that their experience and mentorship can multiply impact. Linking The Pitch UCT to alumni is central to UCT’s impact, and this connection reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring that innovation leads to sustainable entrepreneurial success. The programme amplifies the idea, puts the founder on the map of progress, and makes sure their community feels their wins.

The Pitch UCT is embedded in and supported by the broader UCT entrepreneurial ecosystem, which advances entrepreneurial success across the university. This ecosystem ensures that students and staff benefit from opportunities to innovate, build ventures and contribute to society. UCT’s commitment is testament to the fourth mission the university is pursuing: innovation and entrepreneurship, which seeks to position UCT as the leading African university for innovation-led inclusive development and entrepreneurship. It is where ambition meets action. The programme empowers student entrepreneurs to think big, act boldly and build ventures that make waves in their communities and beyond.

The Pitch UCT’s vision is to make UCT the heart of Cape Town’s entrepreneurial spirit, where students turn entrepreneurial thinking and bold ideas into ventures that uplift communities, inspire change and lead South Africa into the future.

A night of celebration and inspiration

The 2025 finals will bring together UCT students, alumni, staff and industry leaders for an evening full of entrepreneurial excellence. Finalists will pitch their boldest ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, competing for funding, mentorship and entry into the Pitch Plus incubator programme.

The finals will feature high-level business expert judges and a keynote speaker from UCT’s alumni. The evening will also include reflections from previous winners and messages from the UCT leadership.

The finals night is both a celebration of the past and a launchpad into the future.

Beyond the competition

The Pitch UCT has always stood for creativity, flourishing and transformation. Students are encouraged to align their ventures with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – from climate action and gender equality to economic inclusion and quality education.

The programme’s three pillars are:

• Entrepreneurial identity: equipping students with the skills and platform to bring ideas to life.
• A culture of innovation and flourishing: celebrating creativity, courage and collaboration.
• A network that empowers: connecting students with mentors, funding and the wider ecosystem.

The programme has created a pipeline of ventures with real-world impact.

Looking to the next decade

As The Pitch UCT enters its second decade, it stands ready to support UCT’s Vision 2030 by scaling entrepreneurial thinking, building innovation capacity and unleashing the talent of students as intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs.

This 10th anniversary is more than a milestone. It’s proof of what students can create when given ownership and support.

The event is open to all UCT staff, students, researchers and entrepreneurial innovators across the university.

Due to limited seating, attendance is by confirmation only.

• RSVP to attend.

Confirmed guests will receive further details via return mail.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements