Pretoria to Host 2026 BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit as Applications Open
Pretoria to Host 2026 BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit as Applications Open. Applications have officially opened for the 4th BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit 2026, an international platform that brings together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from BRICS and partner countries. The upcoming edition will be hosted in Pretoria, within the City of Tshwane, placing South Africa at the centre of a global conversation on innovation, technology, and sustainable growth.
The summit is positioned as a key engagement for South African entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging businesses seeking exposure to international networks, policy discussions, and innovation-led collaboration. By hosting the event locally, South Africa offers its business community direct access to a multinational ecosystem focused on practical solutions to shared economic and social challenges.
The 2026 summit will focus on three core sub-themes aligned with current global and regional priorities. Sustainable Development and Green Innovation will spotlight ideas and ventures addressing environmental challenges, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and responsible resource management. This theme is particularly relevant to South African businesses navigating the transition toward greener and more resilient operations.
Artificial Intelligence and Digitisation will highlight innovations that apply AI and digital technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and economic participation. Entrepreneurs working in data, automation, fintech, and digital platforms are expected to find this theme especially relevant as businesses across South Africa accelerate digital transformation.
The third focus area, Agri-Tech Innovations for Food Security, will showcase youth-driven technologies and solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and long-term food security. For agribusinesses and startups operating in South Africa’s agricultural value chain, this theme reflects ongoing efforts to modernise farming and strengthen food systems.
Organisers describe the summit as a space for idea exchange, innovation showcase, and strategic dialogue, connecting youth-led solutions with industry stakeholders and policymakers. The event also provides an opportunity for South African entrepreneurs to position their ventures within a broader BRICS+ innovation landscape.
Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications through the official platform. Full details and the application form
The summit continues to attract attention for its role in amplifying youth-led innovation across emerging markets. For South African founders, participation may also support visibility, learning, and cross-border partnerships. Hosting the event in Tshwane reinforces South Africa’s positioning as a convenor of innovation-focused dialogue, while highlighting the country’s growing community of technology-driven entrepreneurs and solution-oriented businesses operating across diverse sectors nationally and regionally.
