Hosting the event is Byte Orbit, the force behind Startup Knight, alongside companies such as Microsoft, Nokia, Bandwidth Barn and 8ta, who have come onboard with significant sponsorship for the winning start-up.

 

Microsoft will be providing software packages for the winners to run their business for three years as well as $60 000 (±R502 500) worth of Azure Services. Bandwidth Barn is offering office space for the duration of six months, while Nokia is a product sponsor. In addition, 8ta will provide a 3G data modem loaded with its 60 Gig + 60 Gig offering.

 

The grand prize will be sponsored by Byte Orbit and will consist of software development to the value of R100 000 and ongoing mentorship. Byte Orbit is set to take a 15% equity stake in the winning business and will subsequently support them on an ongoing basis, leveraging nine years of industry experience to increase their ability to succeed.

 

Participants can enter online at www.byteorbit.com, with entries closing on 25 October. Fifteen finalists will be announced by 26 October and they will be required to pitch to a judging panel at Byte Orbit Offices in Durbanville, Cape Town on 3 November 2012.

 

The judging panel will include:

 

Amit Ramdath, Byte Orbit CEO

Anthony Stonefield, Nokia head of Ecosystem

Kethan Parbhoo, Microsoft Equity Equivalent lead

Amith Maharaj,  8ta senior managing executive

Charl Norman, Bandwidth Blog / OnNet MD

Martin Ras, Ching Payments MD.

 

The winner of the competition will be announced on the evening of 3 November 2012 in Cape Town.