The Mashesha stove innovation has been selected as a semifinalist for the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme. (GCIP) for SMEs is a global initiative with the goal of promoting clean technology innovation and supporting SMEs and start-ups. The GCIP is a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiative hosted and jointly implemented in South Africa by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

Based on the successful Cleantech Open Accelerator, the initiative aims to spur local innovations in energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste to energy, and water efficiency; maximizing every participant‟s chances of being successful in the programme and raising their probability of achieving sustainable commercial success.

The programme combines a competition and a business accelerator to offer participants, progressing through the programme, extensive mentoring, training, access to investors and opportunities to showcase their innovations to the media and the public. Participants stand a chance to win cash awards and national business support awards, in addition to a trip to Silicon Valley to participate in the Cleantech Open Global Forum.

In picture - Innovation for Social Impact Award – Louise Williamson (Sustainability Professionals), with James New (UNIDO), Minister Naledi Pandor, and TIA CEO Barlow Manilal.