Successful SA Innovation Summit in Cape Town
Cape Town recently hosted the seventh SA Innovation Summit, which attracted over 700 innovators, investors and scholars and an additional 650 delegates from all over Southern Africa who watched the seminars from video streams. This was the first time it hosted the summit and the organisers have confirmed that it will be held there in 2015.
The creativity and ingenuity of local innovators was outstanding with 19 inventors exhibiting their designs at the Inventors' Garage competition, 34 pitchers pitching their creations, businesses and ideas at the Pitching Den competition, and 45 speakers hosting informative workshops and seminars.
Innovative inventions
The winner of the R15,000 Inventors' Garage competition epitomised what the Summit was all about - Thato Kgatlhanye created a school backpack which brings together recycling, solar energy and a better learning environment for schoolchildren. "Made from 100% plastic shopping bags and fitted with a Consol solar jar lid that charges in the sun, learners can carry their books in a sturdy eco-friendly schoolbag, which later provides light for the learner to study after dark. There is a safety and visibility element too as the integration of retro-reflective material increases visibility of children to motorists while walking to school," says Kgatlhanye.
Taking first prize in the Pitching Den competition was Clear Sky Energy, a breakthrough waste to energy technology that dramatically reduced emissions. The unique patented vortex offers waste to energy plants that are cost-effective and highly efficient, while boasting a small footprint and negligible emissions. The design took home R15,000 in prize money to help fund its production as well entry to an applied innovation strategy course.
Youth day programme
The CEO panel debate featured members from DuPont, General Electric, University of Cape Town and University of Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development, who discussed the policies needed for innovative businesses to thrive and the link between profit and science and technology. The discussion found that as most innovations are founded on key research and development knowledge, more high-level skills are required. As government is a key partner in the innovation landscape, their role in providing an enabling regulatory environment to stimulate innovation, is critical.
The Summit concluded with a vibrant youth day programme where over 300 learners attended workshops on innovation and creativity. The Spark Lab exhibition area was transformed into a playful dance floor with learners taking centre stage with interactive sessions.
For more information, go to www.innovationsummit.co.za.
