Fuelling Green Growth – 2025 Green Seeds Competition launches to accelerate innovation in sustainability and property innovation

Following a successful inaugural Green Seeds Competition in 2024, Property Point, in collaboration with Attacq, has officially launched the 2025 Green Seeds Competition, targeting entrepreneurs in the sustainability and property innovation sectors. The Green Seeds Competition is a groundbreaking initiative designed to surface scalable, commercially viable solutions to real-world operational challenges in the environmentally responsible property sector. The programme aims to drive innovation and impact in the green economy by supporting high-potential entrepreneurs at various stages of business development. Key objectives of the competition include:

• Driving innovation in sustainability and property innovation through targeted support and industry exposure;
• Accelerating market and funding readiness by equipping entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship, and networks to refine business models and strengthen investment propositions; and
• Promoting inclusive growth by empowering SMEs to create green jobs aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan.

“This programme aims to set in motion transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges while enhancing operational efficiency across the property sector,” says Shawn Theunissen, Founder of Property Point.

Entrepreneurs in the sustainability and property innovation space often face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding, a lack of pilot opportunities, and insufficient industry-specific mentorship. While early-stage innovators struggle to refine business models and prove market viability, more mature ventures require support in scaling and integrating with established players.

“Some of the most powerful innovations in sustainability come from entrepreneurs, agile thinkers who see opportunity where others see obstacles. We recognise that our role as a large business is not just to lead, but to enable. By supporting initiatives like the Green Seeds Competition, we’re helping to scale bold ideas that can transform the property sector and accelerate our journey toward a greener, more inclusive future,” said Jackie van Niekerk, Attacq CEO.

Last year’s Green Seeds Competition saw Ingqwele emerge as the overall winner. Their Energy Management System (EMS) impressed judges with a robust ROI and a clearly articulated problem-solving approach. The solution is projected to save R1.25 million annually, driven by behaviour-based efficiency models that align closely with Attacq’s operational needs.

“Winning the inaugural Green Seeds Competition in 2024 was a deeply empowering experience. The journey challenged me to sharpen my vision, refine my business model, and connect with a community that truly believes in sustainable impact. The support I received throughout the process was incredibly affirming. From the mentors to the fellow participants, I never felt alone. Being named the winner was not just recognition of the work I’d done, but a validation of the potential ahead. Since the win, doors have opened, I’ve gained visibility, built meaningful partnerships, and secured critical support to scale my impact. This competition was more than just a milestone – it was a launchpad,” said Josephine Sidambe, Winner of the 2024 Inaugural Green Seeds Competition.

“Recognising these challenges, the Green Seeds Competition adopts a dual-track, dual stream model to provide tailored support for startups at various maturity levels,” explains Theunissen.

Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, focused mentorship, and direct access to pilot opportunities within Attacq’s property portfolio. By addressing key pain points, market access, funding readiness, and industry validation, we aim to create a pipeline of scalable solutions that strengthen South Africa’s green economy, drive tenant engagement, and enhance operational efficiency.

This year’s competition is set to be bigger and bolder, calling on innovative entrepreneurs ready to lead the transformation of the built environment through sustainability and innovation.

Learn more here: https://propertypoint.org.za/greenseeds/