Pretoria, Monday, 27 August 2012: The Innovation Hubhosts 1250 young entrepreneurs, business owners, decision makers and business professionals for a fiveday eventto celebrate and supportyouth entrepreneurship in Gauteng.
The Innovation Hub is a subsidiary of Gauteng Growth Development Agency (GGDA), which is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.
Taking place between 27 and 31 August 2012, Tshwane EntrepreneursWeekaims toinspire young entrepreneurs and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in South Africa to enable entrepreneurs, business professionals, innovators, business owners and investors the rare opportunity of sharing ideas, networking and engaging in rich discussions. The event will provide an avenue for delegates to tap into the resourcefulness and dynamism of venture capitalists, industry executives, thought leaders and like-minded entrepreneurs. There will be a focus onimproving business skills at an individual level to make the youth more employable, and supporting the growth of businesses to generate income and jobs at a community and regional level.
The Innovation Hub (TIH) plays an importantrole in facilitating the flow of knowledge between research institutions, industry, citizens and government thereby strengthening provincial competitiveness and creating shared wealth. TIH is also committed to supporting emergingentrepreneurs by creating an environment that is conducivefor innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to providing world-class infrastructure and business premises at affordable rates, the Maxum business incubator along with the mobile applications laboratory (mLab) and the Climate Innovation Centre (CIC)provide a mix of support services including intellectual property capabilities and business mentors, as well as specialised technical support in the mobile and green technology sectors.
McLean Sibanda, The Innovation Hub CEO, said: “This event is an important milestone in the growth of young entrepreneurs. We have managed to bring together a great mix of people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and it is important that we engage with the like-minded entrepreneurs to share experiences and see on how we can grow the South African economy to enhance the competitiveness of our local companies and create new jobs”.
“I’m delighted to announce that we now have over 40 top industry professionals speaking at this conference. TNEW is the premier event in the region to network with other business owners and decision-makers attend cutting edge workshops and be exposed to products and servicesthat can help businessesachievetheirgoals.”said Lawrence Umukoro, The Event Director of Tshwane Entrepreneurship Week.
Dr. Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, will be delivering the keynote presentation at the official TNEW Gala Night and will focus on the role of entrepreneur development initiatives in economic development. Dr. Manuel will take questions from the floor, giving delegates a unique opportunity to address one of South Africa’s leading thinkers. On the same night, Councillor KgosientsoRamokgopa, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, will also deliver the welcome address.
About GGDA
The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), previously known as Blue IQ and GEDA, is a merged entity by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED). It is the implementation arm of the GDED to assist the department to lead, facilitate and manage sustainable job creation and inclusive economic growth and development in the Gauteng City Region. For more information on GGDA, please contact Mr Stephen Watson, Acting Head, Group Marketing, Communications and Strategic Promotions on Tel: 083 380 3359
About The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub (TIH), a GGDA subsidiary, is Africa’s first internationally accredited Science Park and a full member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). The leading knowledge-intensive business cluster in South Africa, TIH is strategically located in Tshwane, South Africa’s executive capital in the ‘smart’ Province of Gauteng. TIH implements the 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 a unique space for high-tech entrepreneurs, world-class businesses, academics, researchers and venture capitalists to meet, network and prosper.
For more information on TIH, please visit www.theinnovationhub.com
