The 2019/2020 financial year has certainly been a challenging year across the globe, a year that adversely affected nearly everyone around the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic; though Covid-19 have crippled us all, losing many lives and jobs, businesses being affected and the South African economy downgraded to junk status, let’s give thanks that we’ve made it this far and may we remain hopeful that a better year is ahead of us and we are given an opportunity to rebuild and still able to contribute to the growth of our economy. I am grateful to report that as an organisation we have managed to achieve much success in our endeavours under the unforeseen covid-19 circumstances.
In December 2020, we welcomed our new MEC for Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development, MEC Parks Tau. The Innovation Hub Executive team together with GGDA Executives met for several meetings with the MEC, and he outlined very clearly his vision for the department and its agencies.
In adjusting to the new working normal, The Innovation Hub has hosted a number of flagship events virtually such as The Innovation Hub Business Incubation graduation which took place on the 22nd of September 2020 and the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) Awards which took place on the 10th of December 2020. We have also hosted a number of virtual Innov8 events which were successfully attended by guests and entrepreneurs. Our Innov8 events are our high-level premier networking platform events hosted regularly throughout the year as a networking opportunity for innovative leaders in industry, academia, and government to engage on topics relevant to the varying themes centred on entrepreneurship and innovation. On 30 March 2021, The Innovation Hub, supported by the South African German Energy Partnership and the South African German Energy Programme, both implemented by GIZ, hosted a webinar with the focus on International experience on energy-efficient lighting research and demonstration where the event shared the know-how and lessons learned from Germany. In the 4th quarter, together with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), we signed a cooperation agreement with the Chinese embassy and the Xi’an International Science Park to establish a cross border incubation programme which will promote partnership amongst the South African and Chinese companies to inevitably create markets for both the Chinese and South African companies.
The Xi’an LCGF is a premier tech startup incubator located in Xi'an China with leading experience and a strong focus on cross border incubation and innovation service. Their strategy is to promote the cooperation between technology-based start-ups and corporate enterprises in terms of R&D, Marketing, Capital and talents in the global range.
On the Year Ahead
On the year ahead we are looking forward to having our first media engagement with MEC Parks Tau and other stakeholders that are participating in Gauteng Township Economy revitalisation. We are also looking forward to welcoming our new intake of entrepreneurs in our business incubation programmes and interns for our Skills Development programme.
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
