The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has officially welcomed Savant Foundry to the city—marking a bold step towards deepening Johannesburg’s innovation, industrialisation, and entrepreneurship landscape.
Savant Foundry, formerly known as the Savant Technology Incubator, is South Africa’s only venture builder dedicated exclusively to hardware and deep-tech startups. The Foundry supports innovators through structured funding, expert mentorship, and industry partnerships—helping turn pioneering ideas into market-ready solutions.
Speaking at the launch held at Workshop17 Firestation in Rosebank, DED Executive Director Mathopane Masha said Johannesburg continues to attract innovators from across the globe, reinforcing its position as a magnet for opportunity and growth.
“This partnership with Savant Foundry ushers in a new era for the City’s innovation ecosystem,” said Masha. “We’re building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy that creates meaningful opportunities for our youth and entrepreneurs.”
For tech entrepreneurs, the launch offers direct access to venture-building expertise, funding networks, and product development support—crucial tools to grow scalable businesses in the competitive hardware and technology space. Through programmes like Emerge, founders gain operational, strategic, and leadership skills to take their startups from prototype to profitability.
Tebogo Photoane, Managing Director and founder of Stride IT Business Solutions, praised the move: “This is a powerful step in positioning Johannesburg as a hub for innovation and tech entrepreneurship. It creates a space where ideas, talent, and investment converge to drive real impact.”
The Johannesburg hub marks Savant Foundry’s expansion from a Cape Town-based incubator into a national innovation platform, embedded within one of Africa’s most vibrant economies. Its partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency ensures early-stage funding for promising startups—reducing investment risks and unlocking pathways to market.
By championing inclusive innovation and supporting youth, women, and black-owned tech businesses, the City of Johannesburg is driving a more equitable and sustainable innovation economy—cementing its status as Africa’s gateway for technology, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi