The Fast Company Most Innovative Companies (MIC) Awards will take place in Cape Town on Thursday, 5 March. The events will coincide with the release of the magazine's annual Most Innovative Companies issue, which will feature the top 25 innovative companies sourced through the awards process.

Since 2008, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies edition has been the definitive source for recognising the organisations that are transforming industries and shaping societies.

In 2019, Fast Company South Africa recognised more than 30 organisations in South Africa — from the largest companies across the world to small start-ups with just a few employees.

This year, Fast Company South Africa says that it intends to take its Most Innovative Companies edition a leap forward by introducing a conference, exhibition and awards gala.

Wesley Diphoko, the newly appointed editor-in-chief, says, "Fast Company will, for the first time, celebrate South African innovators and innovative companies. The MIC conference and awards will bring the innovation and technology community together to map out how they can contribute to addressing national challenges through technology and innovation."

The conference aims to gather some of the most interesting minds in the industry to discuss topics encompassing technological breakthroughs, innovation and digital transformation of the future. It will also intend to serve as a platform for companies to share how their innovative solutions are aligned with South Africa's National Development Plan.

Additionally, there will be an exhibition area for innovative organisations to present their ideas/products or services. All three events will be hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2. A variety of delegate packages have been made available.

The awards gala will celebrate the best companies innovating across a range of sectors. An independent judging panel will assist in determining twenty-five finalists and selecting the top five companies that will receive top honours. These will be companies that have taken into consideration the needs of South Africa's fast-paced and ever-changing society.

The awards welcome nominations from all industry sectors, as well as entrepreneurs and multinationals. According to the awards, if there is innovation driving change for the better in South Africa, then Fast Company wants to hear about it and share it with South Africans.

Nominations can be completed through the Fast Company South Africa website by clicking on the Most Innovative Companies banner. Nominations for the MIC have officially opened.

Event details:
Date — Thursday, 5 March 
Venue — Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2)

Costs:
Exhibition and Day ticket to the conference — R1 850 per person
Awards — R975 per person

There are also a limited number of university packages available. 

For more information, visit www.fastcompany.co.za. You can also follow Fast Company South Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.