Dr Nico Steyn and Tsholofelo Modise received the second prize at the 2018 GAP Innovation Awards (Medical Division) category.
Dr Nico Steyn and Tsholofelo Modise from the Department of Electrical Engineering received the second prise in the Medical Division with a R200 000 seed funding value and business incubation benefits at the Innovation Hub. They entered their innovation, a smart robotic rollator used for gait mobility and motion rehabilitation practices, to the Medical Division of the Competition.
Winners comprise innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs who work on novel ideas that will improve the efficiency of the Government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
From enviro-friendly ablution and sanitation solutions, to recyclable sanitary wear, improved access to dental care and what promises to be a sure winner for our consumption driven economy – a technological solution that alerts shoppers to the best sales and deals.
The next generation of entrepreneurs will receive commercialisation support and seed funding, and a year-long incubation at of The Innovation Hub’s Business Incubators.
GAP categories are in the ICT, Medical, Biosciences, Green economy and township economy. Since its inception in 2011, the five categories of GAP attracted more than 2 200 entries and invested over R13 million in seed funding and incubation support to over 76 start-ups.
In selecting the finalists, an independent panel of judges considered business strategy, technology, market, the team, and impact of the technology.
The criteria of selection are based on novelties introduced in one of The Innovation Hub’s priority sectors, namely biosciences (agro-processing and health; pharma and cosmeceuticals), green economy (energy security, water management, waste) and Smart Industries (ICT and advanced manufacturing). After selection, the candidates were exposed to a training course, which exposed them to strategic entrepreneurship, business model development, funding channels, pitching workshops, product pricing methods, effective presentation skills; and the composition of effective teams.
About The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), is the innovation agency of the Gauteng Province and is responsible for managing Africa’s first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park of the same name, and is a full member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). Strategically located in Tshwane, South Africa’s executive capital in the ‘smart’ province of Gauteng, The Innovation Hub implements initiatives identified in the Gauteng Innovation Strategy and Green Economy Strategy to advance the economic development and growth of the Province through innovation. The Innovation Hub has created unique spaces in Tshwane and the rest of the Gauteng Province, for high-tech entrepreneurs, world-class businesses, academics, researchers and venture capitalists to meet, network and prosper.
For more information visit www.theinnovationhub.com