Liquid Intelligent Technologies hosted a Youth Tech Pitch-a-thon highlighting startups from Mthatha and Cape Town using technology to address real-world community challenges.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, hosted a virtual Youth Tech Pitch-a-thon spotlighting youth-led startups using technology to solve practical community challenges.
The initiative forms part of Liquid’s broader commitment to youth empowerment through digital skills development, entrepreneurship support and access to early-stage funding opportunities.
Four startups from Mthatha and Cape Town were selected to present their solutions to an expert judging panel, showcasing innovations across mobility, logistics, digital services and local economic inclusion.
Among them was Tasknest from Mthatha, a digital platform connecting users with local task and service providers, and RideshareSA from Cape Town, a ride-sharing solution focused on improving access to safe and affordable transport.
Cape Town-based estopini, a female-led delivery platform partnering with township taxi drivers to support last-mile logistics, was announced as the overall winner and awarded R100,000 in seed funding.
Founded by Yamkela Pityoi and Ntutuko Ncanisa, estopini was recognised for its inclusive logistics model and its potential to unlock economic opportunities by leveraging existing township taxi networks.
Another participant, Vergric Roots from Mthatha, presented an agri-focused solution supporting local producers through digital tools and improved market access.
Organisers say the Youth Tech Pitch-a-thon builds on Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ wider Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, which equips young entrepreneurs with skills, mentorship and exposure to scale sustainable businesses with measurable community impact.
