For one week in November 2019, 170 countries will come together to celebrate the inspirers, the idea generators and the drivers of economic growth, also known as global entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators. Between the 18th and the 24th November countries from around the world will engage in connecting entrepreneurs with collaborators, mentors and stakeholder groups in order to develop a network of synergistic partners and new opportunities.

GAP Innovation Competition culminates in an Awards ceremony taking place on the 21 st of November this year; seeks innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on novel ideas that will improve the efficiency of government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens. Categories are in the ICT, Medical, Biosciences, Green economy and township economy. Since inception in 2011, the five categories of GAP attracted more than 1200 entries and invested over R14 million in seed funding and offered incubation support to over 77 start- ups.

In selecting the finalists, an independent panel of judges considered business strategy, technology, market, the team, and impact of the technology. The semi-finalists were selected in June, the criteria of selection are included value introduced to one of The Innovation Hub’s priority sectors, namely Bio-economy, the green economy and smart industries. After selection, the candidates were exposed to a training course which exposed them to strategic entrepreneurship; business model development; funding channels; pitching workshops; product pricing methods; effective presentation skills; and the composition of effective teams.

The finalists for The Innovation Hub GAP Innovation Competition 2019 are:
GAP Biosciences Finalists
Blyde Botanics: IKS based botanical extracts for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetical applications.
Wits University: Nanomaterials-Based Wound Dressings.
CSIR and Wits University: Point of Care HIV/TB Multiplex Diagnostic Assay.
UJ: Superior quality Pharmaceutical Ingredients from alien invasive plant.
Sawubona Mycelium: Production of high value food supplements from mycelium in liquid fermentation
Amasu Technologies: HIV Point-of-Care Lateral Flow Diagnostic.

GAP Medical Finalists
Smart blood technology systems (Pty) Ltd: Smart Blood Glucose Sticking Plast Meter.
Mr Hartmut Bohmer: Nightbheat Contact Thermo Regulator.
Malherbe Imaging Inc.: S.M.A.R.T solutions - Aartificial Intelligent software for Breast Carcinoma Detection through Ultrasound Scans.
Magitech Science: Amnioderm and Amnioptive - Amniotic Membrane for Treatment of Burns and Opthlamic Use.
Jumping Kids: Prosthetic Centre of Excellence.
Cabblow Studios: Medical Animation for Public Education of Medical Conditions.

Gap Green Finalists
Nkateko Ncube: Moringa Biodiesel
Anthony Mthembu: Drop saver
Ndivhuwo Neluheni: Aquaponic system
Sizwe Makubo: Coal fly ash bricks
Mduduzi Muhamba: Building materials made from fly-ash
Faria Ndziike: Photocatalytic water and waste-water treatment and purification
Templeson Nkambule: Oluchi Urban Green
Monni Mokwena: Development of a toilet that uses less water for flushing in comparison to the traditional toilet

GAP ICT Finalists
Kgatliso Ntlhane: Honest Care
Kutlwano Ngwarati: Bolyze Edu-Tech
Nico Saunders: SeaChange Consulting
Innocent Mathonsi: Reinventing tacticle communication
Miyelani Miyelani: AlterMob (Alternative Mobile Number)
Sylvester Manganye: Mobile payment for public
Siyabonga Zondo: Geometrorail
Sandile Sabisi: Rapid detection of airbone diseases
Tshepo Maphothoma: LITT Africa

Gauteng Accelerator Township Economy (GATE) Finalists
Suprise Sekgota
Shibonnbi Baloyi
Khothatso Morake
Tsietsi Mokoena
Tshiamo Shomang
Sibongile Mongadi
Bongani Langa Kubheka
Legohu Mogodi
Kagiso Motsoenyane
Noto Matheba
Bongane Godfrey
Tshepang Tau
Mpho Segolela
Hajman Poopedi
Mzukiso Nocuthu
Obakeng Hosea Moatshe
Abongine Nqothula
Banele Gxoyiya
Mabuse Sekgothe

The Innovation Hub- We provide business incubation and skills development training today, so that you can build tomorrow.” #We guide today so that you Can Build Tomorrow.

Visit:
www.theinnovationhub.com

To RSVP, please contact
Linah Nematandani
Communications and Events Manager
012 844 0030/ 071 673 9964
lnematandani@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