Entrepreneurs graduate from incubation programme

Keith Bete of Ubuntuism Brands were one of the 18 graduates

The Innovation Hub’s Business Incubation Programmes assist innovative and impactful startups in the smart industries, green economy and bioeconomy to grow and thrive into sustainable enterprises in their respective fields.

An idea, no matter how important, can’t reach its full potential if left alone. We guide our entrepreneurs and help them turn their potential into action so that they can build a better tomorrow,” said Tsietsi Maleho, acting CEO of The Innovation Hub.

“Previous business incubation graduates have gone on to create numerous jobs for fellow South Africans and have become active participants in the economy of our country. This is made possible thanks to the partnerships we have forged with the private and public sectors. The industry, government, civil society, and academic and research institutions have been invaluable to TIH and our entrepreneurs,” explained Mr Maleho.

Dr Nic Duneas, TIH Alumni and CEO of Altis Biologics, highlighted the importance of being persistent as a technological entrepreneur. “In the beginning, we established a small laboratory with the help of TIH. We were able to start our first small production line and continue clinical studies into our products to get to market. Altis was incubated for over eight years,” he explained.

“Small startups commercialising their products in economies is vital. TIH provides the necessary guidance and tools to aspiring entrepreneurs. It is a home where a young start-up company can establish itself in the comfort of a very well-serviced space,” he continued.

TIH proactively supports entrepreneurs with innovations that address social, economic and environmental challenges. The incubation programmes focus on reducing time to market and support the competitiveness of local industries, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs in South Africa.

After achieving third place in The Innovation Hub’s Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) ICT competition, TIH Entrepreneur and Founding member of Ejoobi, Smangele Mphahlele, was able to take her company’s prototype to market. Ejoobi helps connect jobseekers with employers using SMS and USSD to help combat the high cost of looking for a job by people in communities without access to internet solutions.

“The dedicated mentors assigned by The Innovation Hub helped us in many facets of the business that we had previously struggled with, namely pricing the platform and acquiring clients,” said Mphahlele. “We started with a two-person team in 2018 and are now an HR tech team of eleven women. The possibilities are endless; you just need to keep striving,” she added.

The Innovation Hub Management Company (TIHMC) Board Member, Matsi Modise, mentioned that South Africa has a significant role to play globally in her keynote address. “We have to start coming up with African solutions for global problems. South Africa has all that it takes to be a great global leader. You have what it takes. Success is not guaranteed. It is something that you have to wake up every morning wanting to achieve and being intentional about it,” she said. “TIH is an enabler and incubator to your future successes. If not us, then whom? If not now, then when? Congratulations to the eighteen graduates, and we wish you all the best on your journey,” she concluded.

The Innovation Hub Business Incubation Graduation 2020 from Vuer.tv on Vimeo.