As we reflect on the 1st quarter for financial year 2021/22, we have made many strides in adopting to the new normal as we continue working remotely and on a rotational basis in line with Covid-19 protocols restrictions.
In quarter one (1), The Innovation Hub managed to host several successful events which were conducted virtually, and hybrid and they included, the eKasiLabs stakeholder’s engagement held on 13 May 2021 with MEC for Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Parks Tau who was joined by Gauteng Enterprise Propeller CEO, GGDA and TIHMC Board Members and stakeholders that are playing a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing township enterprises. Hosted on 13th of May 2021 in the eKasiLab facility in Soweto Empowerment Zone. MEC Parks Tau delivered a keynote on the role of The Innovation Hub in supporting and growing township entrepreneurship community. The event was attended by more than 50 delegates physically in line with Covid restrictions and 120 delegates connected virtually.
The eKasiLabs programme has had much success since its establishment in 2014, the programme has recruited 565 start-ups, and has supported entrepreneurs into creating 635 new jobs. The contribution made by The Innovation Hub programmes in assisting in the attainment of the objective of promoting the economic development and competitiveness of Gauteng has been notable.
I also had an opportunity to participate in a number of the industry events, one was organised by stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem and The Internal Association of Science Parks (IASP). The Agritech Summit was hosted on 5 and 6 May 2021, an event hosted by The Innovation Hub in collaboration with Brazil, Department of Science and Innovation, Technology Innovation Agency and 22 on Sloane. The event also had many start- ups and experts in the Agritech sector in attendance. The event shared experiences and identified opportunities available in the Agritech sector. On 08 June 2021, I attended the the IASP webinar and shared with members of IASP internationally and in Africa on how the local innovation ecosystem has changed and how The Innovation Hub has developed since the 2008 IASP World Conference that was hosted by The Innovation Hub in Johannesburg through.
Another notable highlight is the hosting of a youth-month event on the 30th of June 2021, the event’s focused on Economic inclusion of the youth. The purpose of the event was to empower youth entrepreneurs with tools and mechanisms to utilise their businesses to deal with the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Our panel of speakers included Gwynedd Peters an experienced Design Thinker and Creative Lead with a passion for human-centred design and innovation and insights-driven creative problem-solving. Sylvester Lehlogonolo Msuthwana the founder of Patient Health (PTY) LTD Health Innovation company that develops people-centric Innovations. Mr Sisa Ntshona is the former CEO of South Africa Tourism, Sisandile Cikido the Head of Retail Investments at Nedbank and lastly Ms Sekai Chiwandamira the Regional Chapter Manager for the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Until next time
On behalf of The Innovation Hub, I thank you for being part of our innovation ecosystem community. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this trying period and continue to play your part in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
To stay abreast of all the exciting entrepreneurship news, information and opportunities available at The Innovation Hub, connect with us on our social media platforms: follow us on Twitter @Innovhub, like us on Facebook @InnovhubZA and Instagram @Innovhub or visit our website www.theinnovationhub.com. Alternatively email us: info@theinnovationhub.com. We are always pleased to hear from you.
Until then……… Keep Safe!!!
Advocate Pieter Holl
