Tshwane, 14 April 2020 – The global Covid-19 pandemic has caused countries across the world much health, social and economic distress, as even the most developed and advanced regions struggle to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus. Amidst the distressing circumstances, the world has also seen creative and innovative ideas stemming from the urgency of the situation. “South Africa is no different, and we are taking this opportunity to call on local innovators to help our country fight this virus with solutions that take into account our unique challenges,” says The Innovation Hub CEO, Advocate Pieter Holl.
The Innovation Hub (TIH) is calling on local innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, SMMEs, research institutions, universities, and the public to submit their solutions relating to preventing the spreading of the novel coronavirus. Through its Open Innovation Solution Exchange programme, a platform and process which connects solution-seekers to solution-providers, TIH is offering successful applicants the opportunity to test, develop, incubate and commercialise their solutions.
Submissions should address the direct and indirect societal effects of Covid-19 and be proven concepts that need maturation, or existing solutions that can be adapted. “Furthermore, it is important that the solutions address the South African context. As a country, we are unique in many ways. Our solutions should be too,” says Advocate Holl. Examples of solutions include, but are not limited to:
Submissions can be made online at www.openix.co.za until 31 July 2020, and will be judged on a variety of scientific, technical and commercial criteria.
“We look forward to seeing the creative and unique solutions that we know our country is capable of generating. Although the pandemic has amplified many of the challenges we face in South Africa, there is opportunity in the chaos. This is the chance for us to rise to the challenge and show our fellow citizens and the world that there is power in African innovation,” concludes Advocate Holl.
The Innovation Hub- “#We guide today so that you can build tomorrow”. EndsVisit:
www.theinnovationhub.com
For more information, please contact:
Linah Nematandani
Communications and Events Manager
lnematandani@theinnovationhub.com
(+27) 12 844 0030/ (+27) 71 673 9964
Twitter: @InnovHub
Facebook: InnovhubZA
About GGDA
The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED).GGDA is the implementing arm of the GDED and assists the department in leading, facilitating and managing sustainable job creation and inclusive economic growth and development in the Gauteng City Region.
About The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is the innovation agency of the Gauteng province and is responsible for managing Africa’s first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park of the same name, 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, The Innovation Hub implements initiatives identified in the Gauteng Innovation Strategy and Green Economy strategy to advance the economic development and growth of the Province 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
