Hydroponic Breakthrough Wins Big at GCIP-SA Awards, Signals Greener Future for Farming

AB Farms, founded by South African entrepreneur Mogale Maleka, outperformed seven other finalists to secure the coveted first prize in sustainable development.

In a major stride toward sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, a revolutionary hydroponic farming system developed by AB Farms has claimed top honors at the 2025 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) Awards. The awards, which were recently held under the auspices of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Global Environment Facility, celebrate cutting-edge innovations that address pressing environmental challenges through clean technology solutions.

Hydroponics Reimagined for a Sustainable Future

AB Farms, founded by South African entrepreneur Mogale Maleka, outperformed seven other finalists to secure the coveted first prize in sustainable development. The startup’s pioneering hydroponic system has been lauded for dramatically reducing resource consumption while maintaining high crop yields. According to the developers, the system uses up to 90% less water and only 10% of the land typically required by conventional farming methods.

Beyond its water and land efficiency, the system also achieves remarkable energy and input savings. It reduces electricity consumption by 50% and cuts down fertiliser usage by 40%, making it especially suitable for regions plagued by resource scarcity. The system is designed with resilience in mind, maintaining consistent irrigation even during electricity or water supply interruptions—an essential feature in areas frequently impacted by infrastructure failures.

A Platform for Green Innovation

The GCIP-SA is a vital part of South Africa’s strategy to combat climate change and promote clean technology entrepreneurship. It supports startups and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in developing scalable solutions aligned with the country’s climate goals. In particular, the initiative contributes to achieving South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 350 and 420 megatonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, DSTI Minister Professor Blade Nzimande underscored the critical need for such innovations. “Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have led to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste,” he said.

Nzimande emphasized that South Africa is increasingly vulnerable to environmental hazards such as water scarcity, floods, heatwaves, and storms—all of which pose serious threats to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. “Innovations like AB Farms’ hydroponic system are not just important—they are essential. They address the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable food production,” the Minister added.

Recognizing Innovation Across Sectors

In addition to AB Farms, the awards also celebrated two other trailblazing cleantech ventures. The first runner-up, Econova Solutions, founded by Sanele Mabizela, was acknowledged for its transformative work in clean energy and circular economy practices. Econova specializes in converting organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich organic fertilisers, offering an effective solution to both energy generation and waste management.

The second runner-up spot went to Graduated Man of Steel, represented by Lunga Calvin Mahlangu, for their innovation in micro-mobility. The company has developed a range of affordable electric transport solutions tailored for urban and industrial use, addressing the growing demand for clean, accessible mobility alternatives in congested and polluted environments.

Cleantech Ecosystem Gains Momentum

Ismail Abdoola, Acting CEO of the Technology Innovation Agency, praised the calibre of this year’s finalists and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to nurturing South Africa’s clean technology ecosystem.

“We recognise the remarkable achievements of the GCIP-SA and the entrepreneurs shaping the future of our country’s cleantech landscape,” Abdoola said. “This programme is not just about celebrating accomplishments—it’s about advancing our collective vision for a more innovative, sustainable, and resilient South Africa.”

Abdoola also highlighted the long-standing collaboration between TIA and UNIDO, noting how the partnership has helped propel local innovations from concept to market-ready solutions. “The GCIP is more than a programme—it’s a movement. One that brings together purpose-driven entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global stakeholders to create lasting environmental impact,” he added.

Eyes on the Global Stage

Following their success at the national level, the winners and runners-up will go on to represent South Africa at the international edition of the Cleantech Awards, set to take place in Turkey in September 2025. This global platform will offer them the opportunity to showcase their innovations to a broader audience, attract investment, and forge international partnerships.

As the world grapples with the mounting consequences of climate change, stories like Maleka’s offer a powerful reminder that homegrown innovation can lead the way in building a greener, more equitable future. With visionary entrepreneurs at the helm, South Africa’s cleantech sector is not only gaining momentum—it’s setting a global standard.