OPPORTUNITY: Riversands I-Hub Launches NOVA Space Startup Programme to Propel SA’s Space-Tech Sector

Riversands I-Hub, South Africa’s leading business incubation ecosystem, has officially opened applications for its NOVA Space Startup Programme. The initiative is designed to identify and accelerate high-potential entrepreneurs within the country’s burgeoning space innovation ecosystem.

As the global “New Space” economy continues to expand, South Africa is positioning itself as a regional hub for space-tech. The NOVA programme aims to bridge the critical gap between technical innovation and commercial viability, ensuring that local startups can compete on a global stage.

Fuelling the upstream and downstream space economy

The programme is specifically scouting for companies developing both upstream capabilities (satellite manufacturing, launch services, and hardware) and downstream capabilities (earth observation data, GPS applications, and space-to-earth communications).

By providing a structured bridge from “innovation to investment,” Riversands I-Hub intends to strengthen the local pipeline of space-tech companies that are often high in technical expertise but require support to become “investment-ready.”

What selected entrepreneurs can expect

Through the NOVA Space Startup Programme, successful applicants will gain access to a specialized support network, including:

• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from industry veterans and technical leaders within the space sector.
• Commercialisation Support: Hands-on assistance in building scalable business models and navigating market entry.
• Technical Validation: Access to resources for testing and market access to ensure products meet industry standards.
• Catalytic Funding: Top-performing companies in the cohort will be eligible for focused support and access to growth-accelerating funding.

A legacy of impact

Established in March 2015, Riversands I-Hub has a ten-year track record of fostering inclusive economic growth. Located on a 40,000-square-meter campus in Johannesburg, the Hub provides more than just office space; it offers a high-performance ecosystem of services and resources designed to turn SMEs into sustainable, job-creating enterprises.

The launch of the NOVA programme marks a strategic pivot toward high-frontier technology, aligning with national goals to advance South Africa’s scientific and industrial capacity.

How to Apply

The NOVA Space Startup Programme is calling on all South African entrepreneurs who are shaping the next wave of space innovation to apply before the deadline.

• Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
• Target Audience: Upstream and downstream space-tech startups.

For more information on the application process and eligibility criteria, interested parties are encouraged to complete the information form here.