Innovation Programs

The business model of a Science and Technology Park is based on two major activities; i.e. Infrastructure Development and Innovation (Animations) programs. Innovation programs are the lifeblood of any Science and Technology Park; they are the activities that distinguish Science and Technology Parks from any other business park making it a desirable destination for technology companies.

The vision of the Maxum and Coachlab programs is to be a world class entrepreneurial, leadership and business skills development center for smart industries (high-tech). Maxum aims to accelerate the growth of technology start-up companies by providing business support systems for startups in order to promote their growth into the market. Coachlab acts as a bridge between industry and universities by preparing postgraduates to be ready for industry .

The RIS program aims to promote the Science and Technology Park model and its related activities of high technology clusters and Smart City initiatives to support the Gauteng municipalities to implement innovation activities and thereby achieve social and economic benefits.

In 2006, The RIS program partnered with Technopolis Olu (Finland) to develop a business plan for the Botswana Innovation Hub. In 2007, The Innovation Hub piloted the ACTIVATOR™ model, modelled on the Centre of Expertise a Finnish model program for promoting collaboration between academia, private sector and government through working together on joint-innovation projects in the high-tech sector.