By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Innovate Durban has hosted a
delegation from South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
and the Technology Innovation Agency during a visit to the Innovate Durban
Living Lab in Cato Manor, Durban.
The delegation was led by
the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,
Mlungisi Cele.
During the visit, Chief
Executive Officer of Innovate Durban, Aurelia Albert, presented the
organisation’s programmes and activities aligned with the Living Labs
initiative, highlighting success stories and the impact of innovation-driven
community development projects implemented over the years.
The engagement also included
participation from local Centres of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which
showcased technology, business and skills development initiatives to the
visiting delegation.
Organisations and
enterprises participating in the exhibition included SA Rebuilders, TADF, iMali
Wealth Group, Mind Blown League, OSSO, Eco-Agro Enterprise, CareerKit,
Nka’Thuto EduPropeller and Electricoal.
Innovate Durban acknowledged
the continued support of officials from the Department of Science, Technology
and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency in advancing the Living
Labs project and promoting innovation ecosystems within KwaZulu-Natal.
The visit formed part of
broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between government institutions,
innovation agencies and local enterprises in supporting entrepreneurship,
technology development and inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
