As we reflect on the last quarter for 2021/22 financial year and while we are currently focusing on the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, we have made many strides in making sure that we achieve our set targets and finalise our Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Annual Operational Plans (AOP). These plans are instrumental and will ensure that we continue to perform and execute our mandate and service offerings to entrepreneurs, innovators, and our tenants. The continuous business development support services contribute to economic development which is much needed to address the many societal challenges we are faced with as a province and country.
In quarter four (4) of the previous financial year, The Innovation Hub managed to host several successful events which were conducted virtually and, in some instances, physically. We had an opportunity to host the new TIHMC Board Members at an induction workshop and a walk visit to the park companies. We tabled and presented our successes, challenges and in a certain way, failures. The new Board has already made critical inputs and proposals which we have to conceptualise and implement. The newly appointed Board Members are as follows:
On 18 May 2022, the Executive Managers and I met with the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, Mr Siphiwe Hamilton. It was a meet and greet meeting but also an opportunity to discuss certain critical matters with him. We are looking forward to his contribution in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our Green Economy Unit hosted our first Innov8 for the year on 12 April 2022. The focus of the event was to unpack the following areas:
or is it just hype?
The event provided an interesting insight, and it was appreciated by the Board members in attendance, stakeholders in the green economy and guests at large.
The GAP Innovation Competition Awards Ceremony was hosted on 24 February 2022 with the Technology Innovation Agency and Emory Guizzeta Business School. We were really honoured to have Prof Tshilidzi Marwala: Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg who delivered the keynote address, followed by messages of support from the competition’s main sponsors; Professor Brian Mitchell representing Emory University of Atlanta and Dr Vuyisile Phehane on behalf of Technology Innovation Agency. Our Board Chairperson, Adv. Kgotso Maja closed the event with a vote of thanks. The event was attended by more than 500 delegates who connected virtually.
In the last quarter combined, The Innovation Hub’s incubation programmes have created 174 jobs with some of our programmes exceeding their quarterly targets. It is also pleasing to note that most job sectors in South Africa are returning to pre-pandemic levels according to research done by Pnet. We can look forward knowing that our economy is recovering steadily after the devastating effects of Covid-19.
The eKasiLabs programme which is targeting the Township Entrepreneurship Community held trainings throughout the quarter for entrepreneurs within various townships across Gauteng. A sales and Marketing training was held in Diepsloot Tlhabologong Opportunity Centre on the 15-16th of February 2022 to familiarise participants on techniques of sales and the four P’s of Marketing. eKasiLabs Sebokeng also hosted training for 20 young people over four days. The training objectives was to provide 3D Design and printing skills to enable the entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to be able to create their own prototypes. These are just the few ways in which we empower young people within township communities to be active contributors in the economy.
As we continue this new financial year, we are optimistic about the value that The Innovation Hub and its stakeholders brings towards promoting the economic development and competitiveness of Gauteng and we are looking forward to many activities that our respective programmes are planning to capacitate the entrepreneurs and improve the state of entrepreneurship in Gauteng. We are looking forward to many activities that we will be hosting during this year.
On behalf of The Innovation Hub Board of Directors and Executive Management I thank you for your effort and contribution to the innovation ecosystem. Please continue to 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 , Linkedin @The Innovation Hub 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……… practice social distancing, sanitise, wash your hands and Keep Safe!!!
