NWU and The Innovation Hub partner to shape the future of entrepreneurship
By Oscar Mosiane and Linah Nematandani
The founder, CEO, and chairman of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, once articulated, "The most significant risk is the avoidance of risk-taking. In a rapidly evolving world, the sole strategy destined to fail is the reluctance to take risks." This viewpoint aligns with the objectives of the three-day workshop organized by the North West University through its Indigenous Knowledge Systems Center of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and The Innovation Hub Management Company ( TIHMC), a subsidiary of the innovation agency and a subsidiary of Gauteng Growth and Development Agency ( GGDA) strategically tasked with driving innovation and entrepreneurship is designed to empower third-year, fourth-year, and postgraduate students in Indigenous Knowledge Systems through the Coachlab entrepreneurship program for the BIKS 2024.
The program was designed to provide Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems students at Mahikeng Campus and scientists with essential business, financial, marketing, and leadership skills. It encompassed two distinct phases: the first which took place on the 6th until the 12 of July 2024 entailed delivering six modules over two weeks by experienced business mentors, incorporating group assignments, and the second phase took place from the 16th until the 20th of September 2024 submitting business plans. The second phase focused on refining business plan development for Biotech or IKS-based innovations.
Dr. Lele Moroole, Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Studies Coordinator, expresses admiration for the program that cultivates future entrepreneurs. Acknowledging that not all students will pursue traditional employment or academia, Dr. Moroole emphasizes the program's significance in nurturing students with essential entrepreneurship skills.
The program invited submissions of business plans, with the winning entries set to be announced on October 30, 2024. These winning plans will secure a place in the Investment Summit scheduled to take place at the end of the current financial year.
Dr. Phuti Chelopo-Mgobozi, Acting Senior Manager for The Innovation Hub’s Bioeconomy Unit expressed admiration for the student's attendance and dedication. "It is inspiring to witness such a strong turnout among the students, demonstrating their genuine interest in entrepreneurship. We eagerly anticipate reviewing their business plans," remarked Dr. Chelopo-Mgobozi.
Ms. Mammone Tang, representing the National Department of Science and Innovation, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the active involvement of various universities in this program. She emphasized that the substantial participation from different universities underscores the serious commitment of the younger generation to developing essential entrepreneurial skills.
About The Innovation Hub
About The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). As the innovation agency of the Gauteng province, it manages Africa's first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park of the same name. It 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, The Innovation Hub 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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Facebook: InnovhubZA
Instagram: @Innovhub
Linkedin: The Innovation Hub
