Pretoria – Wednesday, 27 September 2023: The Innovation Hub (TIH) believes there should be a greater consensus that entrepreneurs need to be empowered, supported, and provided with value added offerings to compete globally as they aim to put South Africa on the map when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship.
It is in this light that TIH as supported by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) continuously take part in the annual edition of the South African Innovation Summit (SAIS) as described by its organisers, aims to be “unique as it fosters personal and professional growth through informative sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging in recreational activities.”
SAIS, which opens today (27 September) and end on 29 September 2023, will see a range of stakeholders in technology, and innovation role players descending at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town for what promises to be a ground-breaking two days of interactive, solution-driven discussions on the future of innovation in South Africa.
Mothibedi Matshele, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Innovation Hub, said: “This is not merely a conference that ends up as just another talk shop. We continuously partake annually on the summit as we are serious in our endeavour to see technological innovations that take our country forward and showcase a vast of innovations available in our country to be able to compete globally, contributing immensely to our economy, creating jobs, and changing lives.”
The Interim CEO will deliver a keynote address at SAIS on Thursday, 28 September, focusing on how the power of technology clusters can be harnessed, while seamlessly building innovation capabilities for global competitiveness.
Additionally, 10 entrepreneurs incubated by The Innovation Hub particularly with innovations to address Township, Informal Settlement and Hostels (TISH), Green Economy, Bioeconomy and ICT will have the opportunity to showcasing their innovations and contributions at the SAIS.
Mr. Matshele said: “South Africa can compete globally when it comes to innovation. We need to unlock innovation capabilities and showcase to the rest of the world that yes, we can, and are able to be at the forefront of leading such innovations, underseeing their implementation, and working with other partners in proving their capabilities.”
Further to Mr. Matshele’s keynote address, TIH will also partake in a Think Tank session titled “Fostering Township Economic Resurgence: Open Innovation Solutions Empowering TISH (Township, Informal Settlements, and Hostels) in South Africa.
eKasiLabs General Manager Ms. Nothile Mpisi, alongside TIH's Manager for Partnership, Mr. Mpho Mbonani, and eKasiLabs Area Innovation Manager, Mr. Buti Makama and Mr Thabang Mpye, Head of ICT, at The Technology Innovation Agency will be panellists in a session that promises to unearth what are the innovative opportunities for the township economy, and how best to unlock these.
Mr. Matshele concluded: “The township economy is one aspect that we as TIH have been involved in over the years. We have walked the talk in this regard with the work we have done in various Guateng Corridors through the Township Economy Revitalisation (TER) and continue to do. There is more to do, hence the TIH team will further unpack issues on how we can traverse and manage the hurdles standing in the way of the growth of innovation in relation to the township economy.”
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For media queries and more information, please contact:
Linah Nematandani – Acting General Manager for Marketing and Communications
Email: lnematandani@theinnovationhub.com
Tel: (+27) 12 844 0030
Mobile: (+27) 71 673 9964
About The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). As the innovation agency of the Gauteng province, it is responsible for managing Africa's first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park of the same name and is a full member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). Strategically located in Tshwane, South Africa's executive capital in the 'smart' province of Gauteng, The Innovation Hub implements initiatives identified in the Gauteng Innovation Strategy and Green Economy strategy to advance the economic development and growth of the province through innovation. The Innovation Hub has created unique spaces in Tshwane and the rest of the Gauteng province for high-tech entrepreneurs, world-class businesses, academics, researchers and venture capitalists to meet, network and prosper.
For more information visit www.theinnovationhub.africa
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