Since its inception in 2011, the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) has attracted more that 1400 entries across five different categories. The Innovation hub has also invested over R19 million in seed funding and provided incubation support to over 100 start-ups through this programme. For the first time in The Innovation Hub’s history, the event was hosted virtually with attendees tuning in from across South Africa and internationally.
The 2020 GAP winners received their share of R3 Million in seed funding to further establish their businesses. Thereafter they are now incubated at The Innovation Hub Business Incubators respectively to ensure that they get all the support to become a success. The Incubation programme provides the deserving entrepreneurs with personalised mentorship, advisory and skills development sessions, infrastructure and funding and networking opportunities.
This year has proved that the next generation of entrepreneurs can adapt to change and take hold of opportunities within the market,” says Advocate Pieter Holl, CEO of The Innovation Hub. “Our innovators have stepped up to the challenges faced in South Africa today. We are proud to see so many entrepreneurs involved in the space of innovation and entrepreneurship and blazing the trail for other innovators and entrepreneurs. It is our privilege to be able to provide them with mentorship and funding that they need to advance their businesses and be able to scale up ,” he adds.
GAP Township economy identifies and promotes township-based innovations that lead to growth in the township economy. First place was awarded to Mamntlane Phyto Pharmaceuticals & Nutritional Supplements for Elderberry and Pelargonium Cough Syrups. These cough syrups are free from alcohol and are plant-based. They are used medicinally for various health conditions including coughs, flu, colds and even diabetes.
The GAP innovation competition consists of five different categories, and there were up to five winners for each category. To view the vthe full list of the winners and their prizes, kindly click here.
