Events

Preamble

The Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA) invites you to submit your papers for the 3rd Interna­tional Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation (ICBII), which will be held in East London, South Africa, from 30 September to 2 October 2026. This prestigious event is designed to bring together aca­demics, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs to explore collaborative approaches that unlock the future of business, particularly in developing economies.

Conference Theme

From Incubation to Industrialization: Scaling African Innovation Through Standards, Digitalization & Inclusive Ecosystem As the world shifts toward sustainable growth, developing economies face unique challenges and opportunities. ICBII 2026 will focus on how innovation, business incubation, and entrepreneurial eco­systems can act as catalysts for growth, economic transformation, and resilience. This conference offers a platform for academia and industry to converge and explore how we can unlock new path­ways for sustainable innovation and business development in emerging markets.

Conference Objectives

Collaboration

Drive collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle key challeng­es in business incubation and innovation.

Practical Implementation

Promote actionable strategies that attendees can use to im­plement practical, real-world solutions for business incuba­tion, scaling, and sustainability.

Ecosystem Development

Foster innovation ecosystems that support the growth of startups and businesses in emerging economies.

Industry Innovation

Showcase cutting-edge in­sights on trends, technologies, and business models that are transforming global and local markets.

Conference Tracks

We invite submissions that address a range of topics related to entrepreneurship, business manage­ment, sustainability and business innovation and incubation, with a focus on developing economies. The following tracks are suggested, but we welcome any other contributions that align with the conference theme.

Incubation Governance, Standards & Impact Measurement

• Business model innovation in developing economies
• Governance models for incubators and accelerators
• Performance measurement and benchmarking frameworks
• Policy development and regulatory environments
• Impact assessment of incubation programs
• Sustainability and accountability in incubation ecosystems

Digital Incubation, Al, Data & Smart Monitoring Systems

• Al-driven incubation models and platforms
• Data analytics for startup development and decision-making
• Smart monitoring and evaluation systems
• Digital transformation in incubation ecosystems
• Automation, machine learning, and innovation management

Post-Incubation Growth, Access to Finance & Venture Scaling

• Scaling strategies for startups and SMEs
• Access to venture capital, angel investment, and alternative financing
• Post-incubation support mechanisms
• Growth challenges in emerging markets
• Entrepreneurial ecosystems  and funding networks

Inclusive Innovation: Township, Rural & Grassroots Economies

• Innovation in underserved and informal economies
• Township and rural entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Social innovation and inclusive business models
• Grassroots innovation and community-based incubator
• Bridging inequality through innovation and incubation

Future Skills, Digital Skills & Innovation Talent Pipelines

• Skills development for the future of work
• Digital literacy and entrepreneurial capabilities
• Talent development within incubation programs
• University-industry collaboration for innovation skills
• Education, training, and innovation ecosystems

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Full papers, extended abstracts, and case studies are
• All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review
• Accepted papers may be considered for publication in a conference

We invite submissions of the following types:

Full Papers

Research papers presenting original, well-researched findings related to entrepreneurship, business management, sustain-ability, business innovation and incubation. These papers should provide substantial insights, both theoretical and practical, into the conference theme. Please ensure that your full paper adheres to the specified formatting guidelines.

Abstracts

Short abstracts (250 words) outlining the research objectives, methodologies, and key findings.

Work in Progress

Submissions that present preliminary results or ongoing re-search projects. These can be works-in-progress that offer innovative ideas, conceptual frameworks, or early-stage findings relevant to entrepreneur-ship, business management, business innovation and incubation in developing economies.

Submission Process

Please submit your paper, abstract, or work-in-progress via email to: info@biwa.co.za

Deadline for Submissions

All submissions will be reviewed by a peer-review committee. Accepted submissions will be notified by 1 August 2026.

Important Dates

Conference  Fees

Register Now

Why Attend

• Engage with leading ex-perts and researchers in the fields of entrepreneur-ship, business innovation and incubation.
• Share your research and findings with a global audi-ence of scholars, entrepre-neurs, and industry profes-sionals.
• Build valuable networks that can foster future collaborations, partnerships, and business ventures.

About the Conference Location

 ICBll2026 will be hosted in the coastal city of East London, a hidden gem along South Africa’s Sun-shine Coast. Known for its unspoiled beaches, warm climate, and relaxed atmosphere, East London offers a refreshing setting that blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

Delegates can enjoy the scenic Nahoon and Eastern Beaches, explore the historic Buffalo River Harbour, or visit nearby attractions such as the lnkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve for an authentic wildlife experience. With its unique combination of coastal charm, adventure, and tranquillity, East London provides the perfect backdrop for meaning engagement, networking, and inspiration.

We look forward to welcoming you to East London for what promises to be an exciting and intellectually stimulating event!