THOUGHT PROVOKINGErrorthoughtical engineer Peter Greenwall and entrepreneur Robin Bayhack support the innovation competition
Photo by: Henry Brink
Online registrations for entry into South Africa’s newest technology innovation competition, the Step-Up Technology Innovation Competition, have been phenomenal for a competition in its inaugural year, says Step-Up Technology Innovation Competition manager Martin Feinstein.
He adds that there was a surge in online registrations by South Africans aged 17 and older in the past month since the competition was launched.
Gauteng and the Western Cape comprise 84% of the hopefuls, with 7% of the aspiring entrepreneurs from KwaZulu-Natal and 7% from Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and the Free State combined.
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) adds value to the competition by supporting a higher risk appetite, as the TIA, by its mandate, deals with innovations that are unproven. Together with Sasol ChemCity, the TIA will evaluate entries – whether an initial idea or an existing innovation in business – for inclusion in an extensive range of financial and nonfinancial support programmes.
Therefore, individuals, or small and medium-sized businesses that have developed or are pioneering some form of technology innovation, regardless of the size of the innovation or its geographic location within South Africa, are encouraged to enter online through http://www.step-up.org.za. Deadline
“The deadline is September 30 and entrants would do well to enter early, as this will give them sufficient time to polish their entries and document uploads,” says Feinstein, adding that entrants can return to the site as many times as they wish, once they have registered.
Offering access to prestigious local and international networks, mentorship and funding to get to the next level, this new commercialisation support programme encourages innovations in the health and biotechnology, chemicals, mining and manufacturing, information and communication technologies, food and agriculture, as well as in the energy and green environment sectors.
Finalists and winners will benefit from introductions to business leaders worldwide through the international partnership group the South African Business Link to Experts (SABLE) Accelerator.