As we are now in the festive season, allow me to provide an overview of many activities that we have undertaken during the 3rd quarter and highlight our upcoming projects for the last quarter. In October 2019, The Innovation Hub Skills development programme took centre stage when we hosted yet another event aimed at honouring young people as they graduate from the CoachLab® Skills Development Programme, this programme is another way that the organisation is contributing to Skills Development through the reduction in youth unemployment and contributing towards skills development in the Gauteng Province. To date the CoachLab® programme has had over 500 participants who are now successfully absorbed into the workplace.
On 21 November, the MEC for Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Morakane Mosupyoe was joined by Emory University representatives and the Technology Innovation Agency and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem to celebrate innovators; recognise and reward innovative ideas that have the potential to impact the Gauteng economy through the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) Innovation Competition Awards Ceremony. It is pleasing to note that since inception in 2011, the five categories of GAP have attracted more than 1200 entries and invested over R14 million in seed funding and incubation support to over 77 start-ups.
On 20 to 21 November, The Innovation Hub through collaborative efforts with partners in the innovation ecosystem, Black Umbrellas, Nedbank Enterprise Development, SEDA, Coca Cola Beverages and Manusi Consulting hosted a series of workshops intended to impact entrepreneurs that are ready to take their business to the next level. The event was hosted at the Soweto Theatre and was attended by 80 entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs showcased their products and services and were given an opportunity to pitch to investors.
Plans for 2020
To stay abreast on all of 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 and Instagram Innovhub or visit our website www.theinnovationhub.com. Alternatively call our help desk on 012 844 0000. We are always pleased to hear from you.
On behalf of The Innovation Hub staff, I thank you for being part of our innovation ecosystem community……We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful festive season and a prosperous 2020. We look forward to having many fruitful interactions with you in the coming year.
