We formally invite applicants to participate in the Winetech Pitching Den Competition – the finalists of which will be showcased at the Innovation Summit 2019, to be held in Cape Town. Winetech and the Innovation Summit are looking for innovators and disruptors – providing unique solutions and products which can be commercialized, to wine producers and the agri-tech industries.The finalists of the competition will go through to the Innovation Summit Pitching Den finals in Cape Town – where they could receive investment opportunities in the form of venture capital or other funding and will be provided with linkages to market – allowing them to transfer their innovation to the over 650 producers of wine in the country. Further to that, the winner will also be provided with business and entrepreneurial incubation and acceleration to fast-track them and their products growth.Over-arching Themes:Producer Profitability and Environmental SustainabilityThere is increasing pressure from consumers to buy products that are produced responsibly. We are seeking disruptive, innovative, cost effective and practical solutions for reducing our impact on the environment. It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain growth and profitability with regards to Net Farming Income due to various factors including fluctuating climatological conditions, increased minimum wages and fuel and water costs, among others.In these harsh economic climates, the industry is looking at pioneering, and innovative ways for rethinking production methods which can ultimately lead to stable growth and increased profit margins for small and large industry participants.These innovations ideally should address, but are not limited to:Climate Change WaterBreeding (Genetics)Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data