Red Bull Basement

✓ Red Bull Basement 2026 is an innovation programme offering South African participants the opportunity to develop early-stage ideas into working products, with equity-free funding of more than R2m available at a global level.
✓ Red Bull Basement operates as a global incubator in partnership with Microsoft and AMD. South Africa will select a national winner who will represent the country at the Red Bull Basement World Final in Silicon Valley, United States.

✓ At the World Final, teams compete for $100,000, approximately R1.6m, in equity-free funding while retaining full ownership of their ideas. Additional support includes Microsoft Azure and Replit AI credits, as well as mentorship from Red Bull Ventures.

✓ The programme is open to South African residents aged 18 and older. Applications may be submitted by individuals or pairs, with ideas welcomed from sectors including AI, sustainability, education, healthcare and agriculture.

✓ Ideate and Apply
✓ Particpate in all three phases in the competition

✓ Global prize of $100K CASH to bring your idea to life
in Microsoft Azure credits
✓ mentorship from Red Bull Ventures.
By the end of this preparation period, you will be expected to present:
✓ A tangible representation of your idea, and​
✓ A concise pitch that explains what your idea is, why it matters, and the impact it aims to create

During Phase 2
During this phase, teams receive:​
✓ An AMD AI Laptop
✓ Additional Microsoft Azure credits to further develop and refine their product​
✓ Access to world-class mentors offering guidance on app, business, and impact​​
✓ Ongoing support and a global peer community to help you push your idea further​

Beyond the pitch, you will have access to:​
✓ Networking with founders, investors, and partners​
✓ Expert mentoring and hands-on feedback​
✓ Storytelling training by Red Bull experts​
✓ Global visibility and exposure for you and your idea