Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize

As Earthshot Week headed to Africa for the first time, Ninety One partnered with The Earthshot Prize to launch the Ninety One Accelerator, designed to support innovative young Earthshot solutions so  that they are investment ready and better positioned to scale their businesses.

Meet the six solutions driving change.

The Ninety One Accelerator leverages the reach and expertise of The Earthshot Prize, together with the skills and networks of Ninety One in South Africa and beyond, to equip potential Earthshot solutions to take the next step in their journey.

The Accelerator provides customised support, including an appropriate blend of funding, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to enable growth and mobilise capital into the early-stage climate innovation ecosystem. It focuses on innovative, young Earthshot solutions that are primarily South Africa-focused with global ambitions, helping them become investment-ready and better positioned to scale their businesses.

The earthshot prize - Official Nominator 2026

What is its aim?

The Accelerator develops a pipeline of innovations for investors in climate-related solutions, strengthening the sustainability ecosystem across the region. It drives innovation, stimulates the creation of green jobs, and mobilises capital by enabling growth in early-stage climate ventures that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.

How are the recipients chosen?

Candidates are screened and selected annually from The Earthshot Prize nominations. The initial focus is on companies operating in South Africa or targeting the country as a current or potential market, but with global ambitions.

What will the Accelerator do?

The Accelerator works with partners to deliver a nine-month programme supporting up to 30 innovators between 2025 and 2030. The total value of assistance, including direct funding and in-kind programmatic support, is approximately R45 million ($2.5 million) over the six years, combining financial backing with technical guidance to help innovators scale and attract long-term investment.

A global network

Ninety One is a member of the Undaunted Accelerator Network, launched during Earthshot Week. Undaunted, a partnership between Imperial College London and the Royal Institution, aims to accelerate 10 000 eco-innovations globally. The network, comprising 17 founding members, fosters collaboration among accelerators, incubators, and impact organisations that support start-ups addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

Investing in innovation that drives change


The Ninety One Accelerator, in partnership with The Earthshot Prize, supports pioneering entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges.

Each solution reflects our belief in investing for a world of change, demonstrating the power of innovation with impact that's inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.

From reimagining food systems to closing the loop on waste and empowering communities through technology, these innovators are shaping a more resilient future.

From fungi to future food

MycoSure is reimagining the future of food through mycelium-based protein, a sustainable, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional animal protein.

Using fermentation technology, MycoSure produces high-protein, high-fibre ingredients with minimal water and land use.

By partnering with the CSIR, the team is building Africa's bio-manufacturing capacity, advancing food security, and creating green jobs.

Discover how fungi are helping to feed the future.

Download the MycoSure profile www.mycosure.co.za

Mycosure

From fungi to future food

MycoSure is reimagining the future of food through mycelium-based protein, a sustainable, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional animal protein.

Using fermentation technology, MycoSure produces high-protein, high-fibre ingredients with minimal water and land use.

By partnering with the CSIR, the team is building Africa's bio-manufacturing capacity, advancing food security, and creating green jobs.

Discover how fungi are helping to feed the future.

Download the MycoSure profile www.mycosure.co.za

Sonke Retail

Refill. Reuse. Reimagine retail

Sonke Retail designs and operates fully automated refill stations that help consumers refill their packaging with everyday essentials – cutting costs by up to 60% while drastically reducing single-use plastic waste.

By addressing the poverty tax and enabling circular retail, Sonke saves consumers money, helps brands reach new markets, and reduces plastic waste.

See how Sonke is reimagining retail to save shoppers money – and the planet.

Download the Sonke Retail profile www.sonke.org

EWaste Africa

Turning electronic waste into opportunity

EWaste Africa operates a nationwide recycling network that recovers valuable materials from electronic and lighting waste, while providing green skills training and creating employment opportunities.

By safely managing waste and reducing landfill pollution, EWaste Africa demonstrates how circular innovation drives both economic and environmental sustainability.

Learn how circular innovation is turning South Africa's e-waste into opportunity.

Download the EWaste Africa profile www.ewasteafrica.co.za

Abalobi

Empowering ocean stewards through technology

Abalobi develops digital tools for small-scale fishers, helping them capture data, improve traceability, and access fair markets.

By empowering fishing communities with real-time information and direct access to buyers, Abalobi enhances livelihoods and supports sustainable ocean management.

Discover how Abalobi's technology is empowering ocean stewards.

Download the Abalobi profile www.abalobi.org

Asoba

AI for a smarter energy future

Asoba utilises artificial intelligence to enhance the intelligence and efficiency of South Africa's power systems.

Its predictive analytics platform helps utilities and energy producers detect faults, optimise performance, and extend asset life – supporting the transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

Find out how AI is transforming energy management for a cleaner, more efficient future.

Download the Asoba profile www.asoba.co

Samanjalo

Transforming mine waste into green materials

Samanjalo converts coal and mineral waste into low-carbon construction materials, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional cement.

By creating local employment and circular economies in mining communities, Samanjalo is building cleaner industries and sustainable infrastructure from the ground up.

Discover how Samanjalo is transforming mine waste into green building materials.

Download the Samanjalo profile www.samanjalo.co.za

New climate innovations need more early and mid-stage technical and financial support to scale up.   Africa needs to support entrepreneurs with sustainable, scaleable solutions that can support growth and improve the outcomes for the climate and the continent’s people.  With the Accelerator, we at Ninety One hope to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable growth.
Hendrik du Toit

Partnering for a world of change


The Ninety One Accelerator brings together investors, innovators, and institutions to scale solutions that address pressing global sustainability challenges.

If your organisation is interested in collaborating or learning more about our portfolio of innovators, please contact our team.

For partnership opportunities or more information, contact:
Narassa Govender, CSI Director, Ninety One
[email protected]
+27 21 901 1405

 

Important information

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