MEDIA RELEASE

THE INNOVATION HUB SELECTED TO JOIN THE LAUNCH OF BRICS STI INCUBATION NETWORK AND  SERVE ON THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN CHINA 

13 November 2024 Johannesburg – Following the important announcement by the  Chinese

President Xi Jinping at the 15th BRICS Summit that took place in August 2023, Johannesburg, 

South Africa, which outlined a  comprehensive perspective and a forward-looking approach, President Xi announced that “China will set up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era to support the deployment of innovation results”. With the deepening of globalization, emerging market countries, represented by the BRICS have increasingly become vital engines of global economic growth and key players in  driving international economic development. The  initiative is to be setup  to  represent an important steps  towards the BRICS countries to increase innovation capabilities and increase global competitiveness.

Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) together with the BRICS countries will be launching the BRICS STI Incubation Network and 1st International Experts Advisory Committee Meeting”  set to take place on14 to 16 November 2024 in  Xiamen China and  The Innovation Hub CEO, Mr Bangani Mpangalasane together with University of Western Cape  is  nominated to serve on the  International Experts Advisory Committee.

This three-day event  will feature a series of on-site visits, policy discussions, exemplary case study sharing, capacity-building dialogues, and a field trip to further identify the collaboration among member countries in STI entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to unite and stimulate innovative collaboration between BRICS member countries, and it is supported by efforts from BIEA, Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology and Xiamen University, and therefore through talent cultivation, financial support provisions, and the creation of a comprehensive scientific and technological innovation incubation service system, it will  aspire to enhance scientific and technological innovation as well as cooperation and exchanges among the BRICS countries, providing support for the transformation among BRICS countries facilitation both technology transfer from research achievements into practical applications and fostering technology-based enterprise incubation.

 “The support from the office of the Premier, Honourable Panyaza Lesufi and the Gauteng  Department of Economic Development MEC, Mr Lebohang Maile is full proof of the Provincial government's commitment to radical transformation, modernization and re industrialization of the Gauteng City Region economy. Enabling our participation does not only positionThe Innovation Hub as a key contributor in Innovation at a global scale; but allows the  Province’s vision of building an inclusive and growing economy to thrive; whilst strengthening the Africa Trade and Investment, and collaboration of our Startup companies to enable them to participate in the global markets”, says The Innovation Hub  CEO Bangani Mpangalasane.

The launch of the Brics STI Incubation Network, and 1^st International Expert will be followed by site visit to Tan Kah Ke Innovation , National University Sci Tech Park , Xiamen Sky  Semi Conductor Technology to mention a few  and will  end in Beljing, to strengthen partnership between  Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park and The Innovation Hub.   The visit to Science and Technology Parks will enable The Innovation Hub to explore opportunities and challenges experienced by start-up companies , find solutions and strategies for South African  local start-ups;as it aims to foster knowledge sharing,, discuss innovative strategies for transforming the innovation agenda fostering entrepreneurship.  The BRICS STI  objectives also include,  facilitation of “soft landings” for enterprises while enhancing talent development across the BRICS  nations. 

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For  media queries and more information, please contact:

The Innovation Hub

Linah Nematandani

Head Marketing and Communications

Email:  lnematandani@theinnovationhub.com

Tel: +27 12 844 0030

Mobile: +27 71 673 9964

About The Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub is  a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) and the innovation agency of the Gauteng province strategically tasked to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Gauteng , it manages Africa's first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park  and is a  full member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). Strategically located in Tshwane, South Africa's executive capital in the 'smart' province of Gauteng it  implements initiatives identified in the Gauteng Innovation Strategy and Green Economy strategy to advance the province's economic development and growth through innovation. The Innovation Hub has created unique spaces in Tshwane and the rest of the Gauteng province for high-tech entrepreneurs, world-class businesses, academics, researchers and venture capitalists to meet, network and prosper.

For more information visit www.theinnovationhub.com

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