Applause goes to Pulego Communications, the start-up, which recently graduated from Maxum Core, received recognition for their role in the advancement of ICT. On 13 September Pulego was called on stage not once but twice at the ITU Telecom World Awards 2018, walking away with the esteemed Global SME Excellence Award, for their citizens engagement app that was developed in partnership with City of Tshwane. Pulego Communications provides innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions, consulting and training services, enable SMEs and government agencies to enhance their offering, improve efficiency, and to do business pro-actively. Just last year Pulego Communications was awarded an SSP worth over R400 000, it would seem that the company is on a serious winning streak.

Another one of our entrepreneurs who cannot be stopped is Prof Shirley Motaung of BioPark@Gauteng. The 13 of September must have been a good day because, like Pulego Communications’ recognition, the African Innovation Foundation announced its top ten nominees for their esteemed Innovation Prize for Africa 2018 Awards. This years theme was titled  “African innovation: Investing in Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems”, successfully attracted well over 3000 entries, and our very own Professor Shirley Motaung’s name made it onto their top ten list of finalists.

Each year ten nominees are selected through a rigorous and validated process driven by an expert panel of judges. After face-to-face pitching sessions, the top three winners are selected and receive a prize share of US$ 185 000 and additional incentives. Innovation Prize for Africa says “The top 10 nominees reflect the Pan African flavour of IPA with representation from north, west, east, central and southern Africa, including Madagascar”

This year’s innovations address critical challenges in ICT, agri-business, public health and the environment/ energy sectors and the Professor was selected for her plant based morphogenetic factor (PBMF) implants that regenerate articular cartilage through stimulation of chondrocytes, synthesises of collagen type 11, which is responsible for tensile strength of articular cartilage and bone regeneration.

Congratulations to both Maxum and BioPark@Gauteng for having nurtured and supported innovations worthy of global stages