Applications are now open for the second annual EDHE Champion Awards 2026, an initiative that recognises universities and institutional teams driving the development of entrepreneurship and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems within higher education in South Africa.

The EDHE Champion Award was introduced as a strategic evolution of the former EDHE DVC of the Year Award. The aim is to acknowledge not only individual leaders, but the collective efforts of teams, centres, faculties, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship units, and institutional partners working together to advance entrepreneurship at universities.

The award seeks to:

• Recognise entrepreneurial advancement activities within universities;
• Encourage collaboration across faculties, centres, and external partners;
• Promote entrepreneurship integration into teaching, learning, research, and innovation;
• Celebrate inclusive and impactful entrepreneurship ecosystems;
• And honour teams that go above and beyond to support student entrepreneurs.

Importantly, the EDHE Champion Award is not based on competition wins alone. Instead, it recognises broader institutional commitment, ecosystem development, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable impact.

Allow me to highlight the key dates for the 2026 process:

• Call for Nominations Opens: 3 September 2026
• Nominations Close: 2 October 2026

Following this:

• Evaluation and Shortlisting: 13–14 October 2026
• Shortlisted institutions announced: by 16 October 2026

Shortlisted universities will then move into Round 2, where they will submit evidence of institutional impact and supporting documentation between:

• 19 – 29 October 2026

The final judging process will take place on:

• 4 November 2026

And finally, the winners will be announced at the:

• EDHE Awards Ceremony on 27 November 2026

The winning institution and runner-up will receive:

• The prestigious EDHE Champion Awards Trophy;
• Official recognition certificates for university team members;
• Prize money of R10 000 for the main winner
• Profile features on EDHE platforms and materials;

This international learning opportunity aims to expose university representatives to global best practices in entrepreneurship development, innovation ecosystems, incubation, research commercialisation, and student entrepreneurship support.

We encourage all universities to participate, regardless of size, resources, or the maturity of their entrepreneurship ecosystem. The EDHE Champion Awards are designed to celebrate both excellence and emerging impact across the higher education sector.

We look forward to seeing the incredible work being done across our institutions and to celebrating the teams shaping the future of entrepreneurship in South African higher education.

Nelson Mandela University’s Africa Hub (MUAH)

Stellenbosch University Launch Lab