The innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently hosted its first three-day hackathon programme for entrepreneurs in the 2022 business incubation intake, consisting of students from all Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses.
The hackathon is a collection of workshops, mentorship and industry-specific training that have been specifically curated as induction for participating entrepreneurs, to assist with their innovative and high impact business ideas.
The training was attended by the Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE), Professor Sibusiso Moyo; Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Director, Professor Keolebogile Motaung and DUT Procurement Director, Ms. Nonhlanhla Gumbi.
Professor Motaung welcomed students to the hackathon and congratulated them for making it to the final selection.
“You have been selected out of 400 students as the best and with the most innovative ideas, you are special, make this opportunity count,” said Prof Motaung.
innobiz DUT Manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo explained the Centre’s core offering, the service flow and what the hackathon will entail. Additionally, she encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity and use it to propel their businesses to success. Ngcobo credited the innobiz DUT team for their dedication in preparing for the hackathon and further shared words of encouragement to all students who took part in the training.
“Take this opportunity seriously, the Centre is responsible for many successful small businesses that were initiated, groomed and accelerated by the Centre. These students started with just an idea and through expert training, and industry-specific workshops the Centre has built them into successful entrepreneurs,” stated Ngcobo who also revealed that the Centre does not only provide business support but also industry linkages and access to the market.
When speaking on behalf of the DUT Procurement office, Ms Nonhlanhla Gumbi commended the students for taking the time to participate in this impactful programme and seeking alternative streams of income through entrepreneurship.
“It’s so interesting to see the youth interested in entrepreneurship, creating a legacy for the next generation and contributing to the country’s economy. You could have done a lot of other things with your time, but you decided to be here, and I can assure you that you will not regret it,” she added.
Moreover, she encouraged students to think globally and look for opportunities beyond their borders. Gumbi closed with applause from the students in confirming that for the first time the institution will be working with students as suppliers through the innobiz DUT office and encouraged students to approach the Centre for assistance. DUT is the first university to allow the policy to procure with student entrepreneurs.
Day 2 of the hackathon was joined by DVC: RIE, Professor Sibusiso Moyo who addressed the students on the importance of entrepreneurship and its contribution to the economy and sustainable development goals. She encouraged students to develop innovative ideas that will contribute to the country’s socio-economic issues, by solving long-standing issues in society or bring about convenience. She also spoke on the importance of protecting those ideas and sharing them with only selected and qualified business advisors.
Guest speaker, Dr Hajira Mashego who is the founder of Fitness Junction Gym also engaged with students encouraging them to always be at the forefront of opportunities and to capitalise on chances to make money. She further advised entrepreneurs to find niche areas, to look for gaps in the industry and offer a unique value proposition that makes them distinct to the community they operate in.
“There are many gyms in South Africa, but my niche was specifically offering this service in townships areas where most high profiles gyms are reluctant to go due to crime and other social issues, not only that but also offering an affordable service that our target can afford and that is what differentiates us from the rest,” said Mashego who also encouraged entrepreneurs to find time to let loose and have fun, especially because entrepreneurship is very demanding and stressful.
Ms Diva Mobedi, Founder of Fashion by Leelah and alumna of the Centre shared a testimonial of her experience as an incubatee and how it helped propel her business to success. She encouraged students to be resilient and dedicated to being each other’s support system.
Encouraging the students, Modedi said: “The Centre is here to help turn your ideas into a reality, but you must work hard and help each other along the way. It’s not going to be easy, please be determined, don’t stop believing and don’t let failure stop you because we need you, the world needs entrepreneurs.”
The student representatives also formed part of the hackathon speakers to help inspire and motivate entrepreneurship at DUT. Zama Mncube the newly appointed DUT Convocation President commended the Centre for the highly impactful programme and advised students that this is an opportunity to learn and grow as much as they can.
“We want to appreciate the efforts of the Centre in inspiring entrepreneurship, and we also want to encourage students to capitalize on this opportunity as very few universities offer this service to their student,” noted Mncube.
This was concurred by the current DUT Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Sibusiso Gumede who also applauded the Centre for their role and contribution to innovation and entrepreneurship within the institution.
Some of the information-packed workshops and trainings that formed part of the hackathon were smart agriculture, design thinking, lean canvas model, prototyping and many more. The students were allowed to present their business ideas to a panel of judges for deliberation, shortlisted businesses will form part of the 2022 business incubation programme.
Pictured: DUT student entrepreneurs at the Hackathon.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Nontethelelo Mzizi
