CPUT and six universities to launch groundbreaking Entrepreneurship Venture Builder
WORKING TOGETHER: CPUT has joined forces with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and six other universities to launch the Entrepreneurship Venture Builder.
Thursday, 12 December 2024
CPUT has joined forces with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and six other universities to launch the Entrepreneurship Venture Builder (EVB), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Africa.
The EVB is committed to empowering entrepreneurs from Universities of Technology, Historically Disadvantaged Universities and marginalised communities. The programme will provide a comprehensive support system to guide participants in transforming innovative business ideas into successful businesses.
At a recent gathering of the founding members, Prof Michael Twum-Darko, the EVB Manager, said “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to flourish in the African market.”
Key Features of the EVB include:
- Mentor-in-Residence Programme: Expert mentorship from university staff specialising in technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Incubation and Acceleration: Support to navigate the journey from Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to commercialisation.
- Focus on Inclusion: Dedicated to empowering student entrepreneurs and individuals from historically marginalised communities.
- Regional Impact: Initially hosted at CPUT’s ‘Business Innovation and Incubation Centre’, the EVB will expand to a decentralised model across multiple universities.
The other founding members include Durban University of Technology, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Central University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University. The EVB is funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) fund, a UK International Development initiative, and represents a significant step towards strengthening campus or community-based innovation and research-to-commercialisation systems across South Africa.
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
News categories
- Advancement 13
- Alumni 77
- Awards 46
- Campus Life 20
- Community Engagement 162
- Disability Unit 12
- Applied Sciences 108
- Business & Management Sciences 95
- Education 97
- Engineering & the Built Environment 142
- Health & Wellness Sciences 117
- Informatics & Design 82
- Fundani CHED 24
- Funding 17
- GBV 16
- Graduation 88
- HIV/Aids Unit 39
- Know Your CPUT 65
- Libraries 18
- News 3790
- RTIP 297
- Residences (Accommodation) 15
- Staff 660
- SIIP 37
- Students 1311
- Student Health 44
- Sport, Arts & Culture 126
- SRC 4
- Student Affairs 11
- University Leadership 19
- Varsity Shield 17
- Vice-Chancellor 22
- Work-Integrated Learning 21
- THENSA 11
