Young South Africans building businesses in townships and rural communities have a new opportunity to take their ideas further. Applications are now open for the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator, a business development programme supporting entrepreneurs and innovators with promising ICT-enabled ideas and early-stage businesses.
The opportunity is aimed at entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who are developing solutions to challenges within their communities.
Applications close on 18 October 2026.
What is the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator?
The Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator is designed to help promising entrepreneurs turn ideas and early-stage ventures into stronger and more sustainable businesses.
Selected participants will receive incubation support, mentorship and business development guidance. They will also gain access to networks that could help them refine their business models, overcome challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
For entrepreneurs who may already have a working idea, early customers or a solution they are testing, the programme provides an opportunity to strengthen the business behind that idea.
Who can apply for the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator?
Applications are open to South African innovators who:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old
- Are based in a township or rural community
- Have an ICT-enabled idea or early-stage business
- Are addressing a social challenge within their community
Telkom says preference will be given to black-owned businesses, women and people living with disabilities.
The programme also encourages applications from township and rural innovators, early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups, students and graduates with viable business ideas, youth entrepreneurs and founders developing technology-enabled or community-focused businesses.
You don’t need to have everything figured out
One important part of the opportunity is that applicants do not need to have a fully developed business.
However, entrepreneurs should be able to clearly explain the problem they are trying to solve, the solution they are developing and why that solution could make a difference.
That opens the opportunity to young founders who may still be testing an idea or building an early-stage venture, rather than limiting applications to established businesses.
What successful applicants can expect
Through the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator, selected entrepreneurs can receive support in areas that often become challenging when turning an idea into a sustainable business.
This includes mentorship and guidance that can help entrepreneurs think about their business models, pricing, growth, potential markets and partnerships.
Access to the programme’s networks could also help founders build connections as they move from developing an idea towards building a stronger enterprise.
How to apply for the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator
Applications are completed through the FutureMakers WhatsApp chatbot.
To apply:
- Save 081 760 7475 on your phone.
- Send “Hi” on WhatsApp.
- Follow the prompts to complete your application.
Applicants do not need to create a separate account because their mobile number serves as their account.
Applications opened on 18 September 2026 and the deadline is 18 October 2026.
Opportunity Tuesday: Don’t miss the deadline
For young entrepreneurs building from South Africa’s townships and rural communities, the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator offers more than exposure. It provides an opportunity to access mentorship, business development support and networks that can help turn an early idea into a more sustainable venture.
If you are between 18 and 35 and have an ICT-enabled idea or early-stage business addressing a challenge in your community, applications are currently open.
Deadline: 18 October 2026.
Entrepreneurs can read the full programme announcement on the official Telkom Group website. Pat on Brands also continues to spotlight young entrepreneurs and the ecosystem supporting them through initiatives such as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, which celebrates young people building businesses and brands across South Africa.
Young entrepreneurs can read the full Telkom FutureMakers application details on the official Telkom Group website before applying. For more inspiration, read Pat on Brands’ Big Brands, Young Beginnings, which explores how young South African founders turned early ideas and opportunities into recognised businesses.
