Innovation Hub awards promising local companies

Low cost wireless tech, a device bringing increased independence for wheelchair users, a system for recycling light bulbs, an app promoting local culture and language… These are just some of the companies and solutions recognised at the Innovation Hub’s 2017 GAP Innovation Competition.

The competition rewards innovative ideas that have the potential to significantly impact the local Gauteng economy. Established by The Innovation Hub, South Africa, the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) seeks innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on novel ideas that will improve the efficiency of government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens. Categories are in the ICT, Medical, Biosciences, Green economy and Township economy. 
In selecting the winners, an independent panel of judges considered business strategy, technology, market, the team, and impact of the technology. Winners were announced during a gala dinner that was held at The Innovation Hub during the Global Entrepreneurship Week on 16 November 2017. 

“As a province, we cannot achieve our innovation goals by working alone. We need to increase our R&D productivity and increase the number of science and engineering graduates from our educational institutions. The only way to build the country’s innovative capacity is through partnership between the public sector, private sector, and academic institutions as well as our international partners," said acting MEC Faith Mazibuko, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development.
McLean Sibanda, CEO of The Innovation Hub, commented: "We are excited about the innovations and the calibre of the winners that came out of this year’s GAP Innovation Competitions, we are looking forward to taking this innovation forward to improve service delivery in government and the private sector. The winners will be incubated at The Innovation Hub’s Maxum Business Incubator and receive specialist product development support from the Climate Innovation Centre, mLab, BioPark and the eKasiLabs facilities which are located in the townships."

To find out more about the winners and the GAP Innovation Competition, please visit www.theinnovationhub.com/innovation-programmes.