The Innovation Hub- the Innovation Agency of the Gauteng Province collaborate with Cisco South Africa to launch a R10 Million cutting edge incubation facility at The Innovation Hub, Tshwane to help develop SMME’s in the digital age and speed up entrepreneurs’ access to market.
The centre is a smart building that offers complete business facilities including workspaces with high -speed broadband connectivity, video conferencing and collaborative platform as well as boardroom and training facilities. In addition, entrepreneurs will be able to connect with global Cisco experts who can help them develop business ideas and concepts in a digital world.
The aim is to enable SMME’s to have access to their resources irrespective of where these resources are in the world. This project will benefit 30 entrepreneurs who will be trained annually and given the necessary Skills to enable to compete in the market
“The facility is designed to impart business knowledge and technology skills along with collaborative opportunities for entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. The goal is to assist entrepreneurs to be well abreast with the digital economy looking at the 4th Industrial Revolution and ultimately look at areas that will ultimately lead to job creation- Mr Clayton Naidoo, Cisco’s General Manager for Sub- Saharan Africa.
“We are so excited to be collaborating with Cisco South Africa, Technology Innovation Agency and State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to launch this incubation centre, an incredible opportunity that is going to change the lives of the SMME’s for the better. This centre will allow young people and entrepreneurs to equip themselves with vital and specialised capabilities that will give them a head start- Advocate Pieter Holl, Acting CEO of The Innovation Hub”
In the coming months, Cisco plans to establish similar centres in Gauteng (Tshimologong Precinct), Eastern Cape (East London Industrial Development Zone) and Kwazulu Natal (Dube Trade Port)
Ends
Visit:
For media interview request, please contact
Ms Pulane Mpondo
Communications Coordinator
012 844 0076/ 083 400 7586
For more information, please contact:
Linah Nematandani
Communication 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
About Cisco
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that has been making the internet work since 1984. Our people , products and partners help society securely connect and seize tomorrow’s digital opportunity today, for more information visit : www.cisco.com or follow on twitter @Cisco
