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.

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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

Dr Thami Mazwai

founder of Mtiya Dynamics (MD)

Dr Edwell Gumbo

Dr Edwell Gumbo

Director: Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USAf)

Dr Poppet Pillay

DR POPPET PILLAY

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

Billy​​​​ Bokako

Mr Billy​​​​ Bokako

Senior Manager Incubation At Seda

Jonathan Naidoo

Mr Jonathan Naidoo

Chief Executive Officer at The Durban Technology Hub (SmartXchange)

Steve Reid

Mr Steve Reid

Entrepreneurial Development Specialist

Dr Ongama Mtimka

Dr Ongama Mtimka

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

Chux Gervase Iwu

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

Prof Nosisi N Feza

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda

Mr. Sipho Ngcai

Mr Sipho Ngcai

Executive Manager of the Seda Technology Programme at Seda

Charleen Duncan

Ms Charleen Duncan

Head of Programmes at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Randolph Meth

Mr Randolph Bruce Meth

Chief Executive Officer at RMTT SOLUTIONS

Michael Reddy

Mr Michael Reddy

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

Fortunatus Ingrid Mhlophe

Ms Fortunatus Ingrid Mhlophe

Chief Executive Officer at Africa Beyond 4IR NPC (AB4IR)

Darryl Dennis

Mr Darryl Dennis

Chief Executive Officer at Nelson Mandela Innovation Hub

Ms Gugu Sema

Ms. Gugu G Sema

Senior Manager 4IR at MICT SETA

Nkosivile Madinga

Prof Nkosivile Madinga

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

Nosipho Khonkwane

Ms Nosipho Khonkwane

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

Lunga Xolisa Mantashe

Dr Lunga Xolisa Mantashe

President of Walter Sisulu University Convocation

Dr. Ncebakazi Galada

Dr Ncebakazi Galada

Chief Executive Officer at the Township Cannabis Incubator

Ms Andiswa Mrasi

Ms Andiswa Mrasi

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

Mr Lwandile Socikwa

Mr Lwandile Socikwa

Founder and CEO Socikwa Management Pty Ltd

ANDRÉ KEET

Prof André Keet

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

Thabelo Mohlala

Mr Thabelo Mohlala

Mechatronics Engineer | Researcher | Entrepreneur

Prof Mxunyelwa

Prof Siyabonga Mxunyelwa Ph.D

Acting Director: Research and Innovation at Walter Sisulu University

Prof. Joseph Olorunfemi Akande, PhD, FCCA, FMVA

Prof. Joseph Olorunfemi Akande, PhD, FCCA, FMVA

Associate Professor of Accounting at Walter Sisulu University

Prof Keolebogile Motaung

Prof Keolebogile Motaung

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

Chris Cupido

Mr Chris Cupido

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

Tervern Jaftha

Mr Tervern Jaftha

Founder and Chairperson of The Asher Group of Companies

Prof Thabisani Ndlovu

Prof Thabisani Ndlovu

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

Mr Luthando P. Jack

Mr Luthando P Jack

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for People and Operations at Nelson Mandela University

Rudzani Makheda

Mr Rudzani Makheda

Centre Manager for Vhembe TVET Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation

Mr Avuyile Xabadiya

Mr Avuyile Xabadiya

CEO of Amatole Economic Development Agency (ASPIRE)

Dina Burger

Prof Dina Burger

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

Mr Mzolisi Payi

Mr Mzolisi Payi

Director of Internationalization and Partnerships at Walter Sisulu University

Cashandra Mara

Dr Cashandra Mara

Senior Lecturer: PhD Business Management at University of Johannesburg

Ntando Maduna

Mr Ntando Maduna

Member of Parliament & Youth Development Advocate

Dr Phumuza Langa

Dr Phumuza Langa

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

Dr Clint Davies

Dr Clint Davies

Programme Manager and Mentor at Mashauri Limited

Ms Nonzuzo Makanda

Ms Nonzuzo Makanda

Director at National Financial Literacy Association (NFLA)

Dr George Acheampong

Dr George Acheampong

Education Collaborative and University of Ghana

Mr Luxolo Rubushe

Mr Luxolo Rubushe

Managing Director of Adapt IT - Education Business

Sivuyise Mbedla

Mr Sivuyise Mbedla

CEO and founder of OnlyFriends Entertainment

Ms. Khensani Shalati Nkuna

Ms Khensani Shalati Nkuna

Business Development Manager at Africa Beyond 4IR

Dr. Nqobile Gumede

Dr Nqobile Gumede

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

Neville Naidoo

Mr Neville Naidoo

Chief Economic Operator, Zuza Foundation

Dr Lose

Dr Thobekani Lose

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

Masa Mlamla

Mr Masa Mlamla

Business Incubation Manager at Propella Incubator