EDGE CITY
SOUTH AFRICA
Edge Expedition: South Africa
This expedition will serve as a deeper exploration of South Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem and how it could become a key node in our global network. We’ll explore the local talent network, urban environment, and cultural context while building relationships that last beyond the trip itself.
What We'll Do:
Discover the innovation ecosystem through visits to universities, innovation centers, startup hubs, and city projects.
Build community through healthy living, coworking, and connecting with local builders and fellow participants from around the world.
Explore nature through hikes on Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, and visiting wine country.
Evaluate South Africa as a potential location for a flagship popup village in 2026.
Programming Highlights
Explore transformative ideas at the forefront of technology, society, and innovation.
Weeklong Schedule
More details on individual days to be found on our Edge Expedition South Africa Luma Calendar.
Programming Details
The week combines structured programming with open time for connections and exploration across Cape Town and Stellenbosch.
- Builder Day! (April 8) - Connect with local and global innovators at Workshop17 Kloof Street for workshops, lightning talks, demos, and networking. Open to all. RSVP here.
- Ecosystem Visits including:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Kayamandi Township (Fiber Installation)
- The Bridge (Smart City Development)
- Apex Stellenbosch School
- Focus Areas covering:
- Reality Reinvented - AI, AR/VR, Hard Tech
- Living Better/Longer - Health, Biotech, Neurotech
- Environments of Tomorrow - Education, Cities, Climate
- Decentralized Tech - Crypto, Governance, D/ACC
- Daily Health Activities with morning workouts, run club, local hikes, and yoga.
- Community Building through co-working sessions, distributed dinners, and evening social events.
- Exploration Opportunities including Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch wine country, and local markets.
- Optional Safari Extension - Two-day safari in reserves in the Western Cape (April 11-13) Fully Booked
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Dates: April 3rd-13th, 2025
Locations: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, with optional safari extension.
Schedule:
April 3rd - 8th: Cape Town - arrival, exploration, ecosystem visits, Builder Day.
April 9th - 11th: Stellenbosch - university visits, innovation centers, wine country.
April 12th - 13th: Optional safari in Western Cape reserves. Fully BookedHow to attend: Apply here. Once approved, you'll receive ticket purchase information.
This expedition will take place across two key locations, Cape Town and Stellenbosch.
This expedition offers you:
First-hand insights into Africa's emerging tech ecosystem and cultural landscape.
Connections with local entrepreneurs, talented international builders and global innovators.
A chance to help shape Edge City's future in Africa and strengthen our community.
This expedition is ideal for you if you're:
A builder or investor seeking untapped opportunities in emerging markets.
An African tech leader wanting to connect with global networks.
A researcher or academic studying innovation ecosystems.
A government official interested in development models.
A creative thinker who brings fresh perspectives to complex challenges.
You'll come out of this trip with a community of peers eager to co-create and push boundaries both in Africa and globally.
There are five ticket types for this event. Each ticket type includes local transportation, all workshops, shared dinners and adventures.*
Apply to attend here, and once your application has been reviewed you will be able to purchase a ticket.
Accommodation in Stellenbosch will be self-booked. We suggest staying close to Church Street.
Recommended accommodations in Stellenbosch:
Edge City is a ‘society incubator’ dedicated to advancing human flourishing. We create environments perfect for practical experimentation with new ideas, technology, culture, and organizations committed to moving humanity toward a brighter future.
We've developed a new format of gathering that is best suited for experimentation to further human flourishing. We call them “popup villages.” These villages last 1–2 months and bring together 1,000 people to live and collaborate, with roughly 200-300 of those being full-time residents. The temporary nature of these events creates freedom to experiment outside of the box, mixed with a shared sense of urgency and ambition to build and ship before the end of the month, similar to a college semester.
We create environments where you can do your best work while feeling your best — from daily workouts and healthy meals to good sleep and mindful habits. It's innovation at its most creative, health at its most natural, and community at its most fun.
Besides our popup villages, we also host occasional expeditions, like this event in South Africa.
Read more about what we've accomplished so far, or check out our roadmap to see where we're headed.
Ecosystem Visits
University of Cape Town • Innovation City • Township Fiber Installation • Stellenbosch University • The Bridge - Smart City • EPIC School
Community & Wellness
Hikes • Workouts • Sunset Dinners • South African Braai BBQ • Color Wars • Distributed Dinners • Yoga HIIT • Market Visits • Run Club
Nature & Exploration
Table Mountain • Cape Peninsula • Kirstenbosch Gardens • Cape Town Market • First Thursday Art Walk • Gondwana Safari • Franschhoek Wineries
- Day 1: Arrival, Cape Town settling in, First Thursday art walk, Welcome dinner
- Day 2: Morning wellness, Co-working or city exploration, Sunset dinner
- Day 3: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Table Mountain hike, Evening Braai
- Day 4: Morning workout and market, Cape Peninsula exploration, Colour Wars
- Day 5: University of Capetown visit, Co-working sessions, Distributed dinners
- Day 6: Builder Day at Innovation City - workshops, demos, networking
- Day 7: Travel to Stellenbosch, Township fiber installation project, Evening pod dinners
- Day 8: Morning wellness, Bridge House School, Stellenbosch University & LaunchLab, Wineries
- Day 9: Morning hike, EPIC School visit, Reflection activities, Final Stellenbosch dinner
Accommodation and safari packages are NOT organized by Edge City - interested attendees have to book their package & cover the costs separately.
We have a few rooms reserved at Botlierskop Game Reserve - you can book those limited spots by contacting the reserve directly, mentioning the reference #BGR038695.
- Day 1: Dinner
- Day 2: Game drive (3h), Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3: Game drive (3h), Breakfast
Find more information here.
- What makes South Africa uniquely positioned for an Edge City? We'll explore its innovation ecosystem and potential for a future permanent location.
- How do we build meaningful bridges? We'll explore how to connect with local communities in ways that create lasting positive impact, and work to position South Africa as a leader in the global innovation landscape.