The Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) Innovation Competition, in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Emory University Guizzeta Business School, Atlanta, Georgia, announced the winners of its 13th annual awards ceremony.
This year's theme, "Solving societal challenges through technology innovation," reflects the commitment of South Africa's innovative entrepreneurs to addressing critical issues facing the nation.
The GAP Innovation Competition celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and technological innovation in South Africa. Candidates from five sectors of the economy - Biosciences, Medical, Green Economy, ICT, and Township Economy Revitalisation (TER) showcased their remarkable innovations. This year’s winners walked away with prizes of a combined value of R2.3 million.
Mr Mothibedi Matshele, Interim CEO of The Innovation Hub Management Company, expressed pride in this year's participants, stating, "Our country is renowned for our researchers and innovative entrepreneurs who have consistently proven themselves as beacons of innovation."
Tasneem Motara, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, commended the winners, saying, "These entrepreneurs are not only driving economic growth but also creating solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Their innovations are inspiring and demonstrate the potential of South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem."
The winners were selected for their contributions to their respective fields. The awards ceremony at The Innovation Hub featured a diverse range of innovators, each offering unique solutions to societal challenges.
Township Economy Revitalisation (TER) Category Winners:
• 1st Prize: Tlhologello Sesana - Nexus
• 2nd Prize: Isabella Twala - Elisheva Trading
• 3rd Prize: Oratile Seabela - MALLI Fintech
ICT Category Winners:
• 1st Place: Thokozani Zama Ngcamu - Mkazi Concepts (Pty) Ltd
• 2nd Place: Thabo Moshoane - Korri Fintech PTY LTD
• 3rd Place: Thokozani Kubheka - uLink26
• Special Recognition: Tieho Tsiane - Oplene Group
Green Economy Category Winners:1st Place: Tshepo Atoh Mothibe - Green Movement Energy
- 2nd Place: Mokete Ratlabala - Learn Base Pty Ltd
- 3rd Place: Ismail Lavangee - Drobotics Systems
- Special Recognition: Linah Maphanga – GrooveTech
Medical Category Winners:
• 1st Prize: Prof Busisiwe Alant - BATM Tradmeds
• 2nd Prize: Mr Lehlomela Motha & Mr Thabo Moshoane - Health Guider
• 3rd Prize: Ms Mahlogonolo Mphahlele & Ms Masego Mphahlele - Twin X Innovation
Biosciences Category Winners:
- 1st Prize: Prof Eduard Venter - University of Johannesburg
- 2nd Prize: Mr Lesedi Moseki - iGrovest Group
- 3rd Prize: Prof Francis Shode - Sholab Nutraceuticals
The winners received prizes that included seed funding and access to The Innovation Hub's unique incubation programmes, empowering them to develop further and scale their innovations.
