International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation
October 2-4, 2024
Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha
Welcome to the International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation, hosted by Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in collaboration with Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and Walter Sisulu University (WSU). This collaborative event serves as a pivotal platform for advancing entrepreneurial research cooperation, fostering innovation, and driving economic development.
About the Conference
The commercialization of research outputs plays a crucial role in translating scientific discoveries and innovations into tangible societal and economic benefits. This conference aims to address the challenges and opportunities in research commercialization, business incubation, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on accelerating the pace of innovation and its positive impact on society.

Purpose & Overall Objectives
The collaborative conference marks a significant milestone in the universities’ commitment to entrepreneurial research cooperation and development with the industry. The event aims to provide a platform for discussion on the commercialisation of research outputs, showcasing existing innovative initiatives, highlighting opportunities, addressing key challenges, and exploring industry collaboration and trends. The primary objective of this conference is to create a platform for researchers, innovation and incubation managers, the industry, and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a focus on:
Knowledge Sharing
Share insights, best practices, and success stories related to the commercialization of research outputs, with a focus on job creation and economic stimulation.
Entrepreneurial Universities
Explore trends and strategies to foster an entrepreneurial culture within universities, promoting and supporting entrepreneurship among students, faculties, and staff.
Networking
Facilitate connections and collaboration opportunities between academia, industry, and policymakers to drive partnership and innovation in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Emerging Industry Trends
Discuss and analyze emerging trends and innovations in research commercialization, including technological advancements, funding models, and market dynamics.
Practical Solutions
Identify and explore practical strategies and tools for enhancing the commercialization of research outputs, driving tangible impact in the market.
Capacity Building
Provide resources and knowledge to strengthen attendees’ ability to effectively commercialize research through campus-based incubation infrastructure.
Save the Date
Join us for the International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation, scheduled to take place on 2-4 October 2024 at Nelson Mandela University. Stay tuned for updates on registration, speakers, agenda, and more!
Together, let’s empower innovation, transform societies, and shape the future of entrepreneurship.
2024 Conference Media Hub
Relive the key moments and highlights of the BIWA 2024 International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation. From inspiring keynote speeches to engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops, our photo and video gallery captures the essence of this remarkable event.
Here, you’ll find a collection of professional images and videos that showcase the event in full. Whether you want to revisit your favorite moments or catch up on what you missed, this is your one-stop place for all things BIWA 2024.
Speakers 2024

Dr Thami Mazwai
founder of Mtiya Dynamics (MD)

Dr Edwell Gumbo
Director: Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USAf)

DR POPPET PILLAY
Chief Executive Officer At Durban Textile and Leather Incubator (DTLI)

Mr Billy Bokako
Senior Manager Incubation At Seda

Mr Jonathan Naidoo
Chief Executive Officer at The Durban Technology Hub (SmartXchange)

Mr Steve Reid
Entrepreneurial Development Specialist

Dr Ongama Mtimka
Acting Director: The Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership At Nelson Mandela University

Prof Chux Gervase Iwu
Professor & SBDG Chair in Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Department of Management & Entrepreneurship Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences University of the Western Cape

Prof Nosisi N Feza
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda

Mr Sipho Ngcai
Executive Manager of the Seda Technology Programme at Seda

Ms Charleen Duncan
Head of Programmes at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Mr Randolph Bruce Meth
Chief Executive Officer at RMTT SOLUTIONS

Mr Michael Reddy
Chief Executive Officer at The Furniture Technology Centre Trust (FURNTECH)

Ms Fortunatus Ingrid Mhlophe
Chief Executive Officer at Africa Beyond 4IR NPC (AB4IR)

Mr Darryl Dennis
Chief Executive Officer at Nelson Mandela Innovation Hub

Ms. Gugu G Sema
Senior Manager 4IR at MICT SETA

Prof Nkosivile Madinga
Deputy Dean: Research, Internationalisation, and Socially Engaged Scholarship, Faculty of Commerce at University of Cape Town

Ms Nosipho Khonkwane
General Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Generation) at Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)

Dr Lunga Xolisa Mantashe
President of Walter Sisulu University Convocation

Dr Ncebakazi Galada
Chief Executive Officer at the Township Cannabis Incubator

Ms Andiswa Mrasi
Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Mr Lwandile Socikwa
Founder and CEO Socikwa Management Pty Ltd

Prof André Keet
Acting Vice-Chancellor | Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Engagement and Transformation Research Chair – Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation at Nelson Mandela University

Mr Thabelo Mohlala
Mechatronics Engineer | Researcher | Entrepreneur

Prof Siyabonga Mxunyelwa Ph.D
Acting Director: Research and Innovation at Walter Sisulu University

Prof. Joseph Olorunfemi Akande, PhD, FCCA, FMVA
Associate Professor of Accounting at Walter Sisulu University

Prof Keolebogile Motaung
Full Professor, Biomedical Scientist and Founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd

Mr Chris Cupido
Acting Head of Department: Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Mr Tervern Jaftha
Founder and Chairperson of The Asher Group of Companies

Prof Thabisani Ndlovu
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences at Walter Sisulu University

Mr Luthando P Jack
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for People and Operations at Nelson Mandela University

Mr Rudzani Makheda
Centre Manager for Vhembe TVET Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation

Mr Avuyile Xabadiya
CEO of Amatole Economic Development Agency (ASPIRE)

Prof Dina Burger
Director of Research and Acting Director Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Mr Mzolisi Payi
Director of Internationalization and Partnerships at Walter Sisulu University

Dr Cashandra Mara
Senior Lecturer: PhD Business Management at University of Johannesburg

Mr Ntando Maduna
Member of Parliament & Youth Development Advocate

Dr Phumuza Langa
Senior Manager: Commercial Analyst and an Acting Director at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Technology Transfer Office

Dr Clint Davies
Programme Manager and Mentor at Mashauri Limited

Ms Nonzuzo Makanda
Director at National Financial Literacy Association (NFLA)

Dr George Acheampong
Education Collaborative and University of Ghana

Mr Luxolo Rubushe
Managing Director of Adapt IT - Education Business

Mr Sivuyise Mbedla
CEO and founder of OnlyFriends Entertainment

Ms Khensani Shalati Nkuna
Business Development Manager at Africa Beyond 4IR

Dr Nqobile Gumede
Director of the Innovation Office at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innovolve (Pty) Ltd

Mr Neville Naidoo
Chief Economic Operator, Zuza Foundation

Dr Thobekani Lose
Head and Senior Researcher for Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI) at Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
