It's one step closer to a dream come true for two high-tech entrepreneurs with vision and courage. Kgatelopele Technologies CC and TCI-Thoreb (Pty) Ltd have both graduated from The Innovation Hub's pre-incubation programme to become the latest Business Incubator tenants.
Mthembeni Mkhize of TCI Thoreb [left] and Joshua Mashiane of Kgatelopele Technologies [right] being congradulated by Jill Sawers [centre left] and Tsietsi Maleho [centre right] of The Innovation Hub on their graduation.
Mr Thabo Mogaswa, founder of Kgatelopele Technologies, was the first client in The Innovation Hub's pre-incubation programme. Driven by a desire to own a software company that offers innovative solutions to everyday problems, he decided to develop the expertise that is required to realise this vision. He started off by employing and assisting youths in becoming IT experts by providing mentorship while they work on imaginary or real projects during their years of tertiary computer science study.
Says Thabo: "We have been through a rigorous selection process, but are very excited. Compiling the presentation to the Incubator Selection Advisory Panel was a demanding exercise, but it has proved to be really worthwhile. The drawing up of a business plan - one of the requirements for graduation into the Incubator - prepares us well for the future. The two to three-year plan provides focus. We have indeed progressed from an idea to a business."
TCI-Thoreb’s business focus is on providing computerized electrical systems and real-time information for the transportation industry. According to CEO Mthembeni Mkhize, the graduation into the business incubator will help TCI-Thoreb in getting high-tech support and innovation-led market access. "It also provides the company with an environment where we can interact with a regional centre of knowledge creation for the benefit of our business internationally and globally," he added.
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