Michael Suttner wins 2013 FNB 'Ideas Can Help' competition

Michael Suttner

It was chosen on its ease of use, source of affordable energy, is environmentally safe and durable.

His winning concept is an efficient test-tube shaped solar powered 'light bulb', designed to bring affordable lighting to South Africans who often use paraffin for their lighting needs. Runners up were Robert Hofmeyr with Solar Switch and Wayne MacMillan with Hamba.

Entries were evaluated on overall uniqueness, innovativeness, business feasibility, quality of entrant and the potential to become a business success story. The winner received R500,000 to develop his idea and a year's business development programme/incubation from the Vumela Enterprise Development Fund. The first and second runners up received R175,000 respectively and a 6-month incubation from Vumela Enterprise Development.

A first for FNB, the competition invited budding innovators, designers and entrepreneurs to enter their helpful and innovative ideas via the bank's blog. It highlighted South Africa's innovative talent and gave passionate individuals a platform to display, grow and develop their unique ideas into helpful innovations.

Economy driver

Innovation drives the economy and is seen as a contributor to the success of any company or country. "It relooks at the status quo, identifies and removes red tape to change the way we behave for the better. The competition is just that, a platform to showcase simple innovative products and solutions from ordinary individuals that can help make a difference in our country," says Bernice Samuels, chief marketing officer at FNB.

"Continual investment into the SMME and entrepreneur sector is vital. Our core purpose is to fund and support growth by creating sustainable opportunities that will assist SMMEs in getting their businesses off the ground," says Heather Lowe, Vumela Enterprise Development.

• The Solar Switch is an affordable replacement/addition to a traditional solar geyser timer that works consistently to save electricity but does not require seasonal or weather-related adjustment• Hamba works towards developing and managing an online database of casual workers that will include domestic workers, painters, gardeners, plumbers, electricians, tilers, carpenters, etc. Potential clients will be able to search the database by using their smart device; the potential customers will then be presented with a list of individuals within the specified area that meet their requirements.

Entries can be viewed on www.ideascanhelp.co.za.