The Climate Innovation Centre South Africa (CICSA) of The Innovation Hub plans to increase the number of clean technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support the transition of government and industry to a less carbon-intense economy, says CICSA innovation specialist Nhlakanipho Mkhize.
Regional PartnersThe CICSA focuses on the incubation of clean technology SMEs in Tshwane, and in the rest of the country through regional partners. It is currently incubating more than 50 clean technology SMEs.
The CICSA also facilitates dialogue between policymakers, industry and civil society on challenges faced by clean technology SMEs. This strategy aims to improve the regulatory environment and to highlight the benefits of clean technologies and promote their adoption.
The SMEs receive technical and business advisory services, market access and product development facilities, training and early-stage financial support.
“The level of complexity of technologies and solutions incubated at the CICSA ranges from simple filter products through to highly technical solutions such as hybrid hydraulic transmission systems. Owing to the complexity, the CICSA uses experts from industry and research institutions to provide technical support for entrepreneurs and innovators,” he notes.
Meanwhile, government’s renewable-energy policy is particularly beneficial to the CICSA – and the SMEs – as it enables the CICSA to focus its interventions for and training of incubated SMEs on providing clean technology solutions for industry and government.