In a vibrant gathering of minds and cultures, the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) Global Entrepreneurship Camp saw 14 universities from 14 countries, including South Africa’s Durban University of Technology (DUT). The hosts, SUT of Thailand, Vietnam, Oman, converge upon the SUT’s Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy for thorough exchanges on transformative innovation and solving challenges in their communities through entrepreneurship.

The event overview centered around the theme “Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People,” the camp emphasised key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 11, 13, and 15, providing exposure and insights to our student entrepreneurs on Thailand’s technology, innovation, and startup ecosystem through study tours, offering a deep dive into the country’s cities, culture, people, and opportunities.

At the culmination of the group’s first week in the Thai capital, the student entrepreneurs engaged in sessions looking to refine aspects such as value proposition, market opportunity and unfair advantage, customer acquisition, revenue models and cost structure. DUT is on the path to becoming a fully entrepreneurial university. The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 serves as a valuable resource, offering insights from entrepreneurial experts that can help accelerate this journey.

Among those who benefitted from the wealth of knowledge was innobiz incubatee Mrs Londiwe Gumede, the founder and owner of Pikankani Ceilings.

She emphasised: “I have learned the importance of adding a touch of your culture to your offerings, which makes your business distinctive on a global scale. Sustainability is also their core value for start-up ventures, making it eco-friendly and welcoming to tourists. I have learnt the importance of adding a touch of your culture and a Zulu person; this is a significant learning step.”

Similarly, another innobiz incubatee Mr Banathi Sihonqo, founder and owner of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic, described his time in Southeast Asia as “truly amazing.”

Mr Sihonqo said it bode well for his business that he had managed to soak in an abundance of information from the workshops and interactions with student entrepreneurs from different parts of the world.

“I’ve noticed that the people of the community that we are in here in Thailand are truly community driven. They are able to adapt to challenges that they face on a daily basis and make sure that they turn those into opportunities, not forgetting that they need to balance making profit and making a positive impact on the community,” Mr Sihonqo explained.

With adaptability to an ever-evolving world being one of the emphatic calls of DUT’s ENVISION2030 vision, Mr Sihonqo was impressed by the ability of Thai start-up operators to swiftly adapt to the changing circumstances in business.

“I’ve noted that the entrepreneurs prioritise the community and strongly believe in collaboration and it is clear that this approach works for the Thai people to navigate the challenges that they are facing on a daily basis,” Mr Sihonqo further explained.

At the tail end of the camp, the student entrepreneurs participated in an interactive business pitching workshop aimed at further sharpening their business pitching skills to potential investors. The session focused on pitch presentations that student entrepreneurs had prepared during the camp. Each entrepreneur delivered thoughtful remarks that aligned well with the theme of this year’s event. The judges were pleased with the overall quality of the presentations and provided valuable critiques to enhance the entrepreneurs’ efforts further.

Lars Andersson, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Facilitator at SUT, said that the significance of the pitching presentations was to help entrepreneurs understand the customer problem at a higher level than a general one.

“If you do not do that you will not have a customer and if you do not have a customer you do not have revenue. Part of that process is to understand that there are existing solutions, and what will make people change from existing solutions? In everything we do we have solutions, so what will make people change the solutions they’re using today and pick your solution over those?” Mr Andersson remarked.

The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp not only equipped participants with essential skills but also ignited a passion for sustainable innovation, fostering a global network of changemakers dedicated to improving their communities.

Acknowledgment to DUT, innobiz DUT, Suranaree University of Technology, SEDA, and all contributors to the SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025. Sincere gratitude to the facilitators for their unwavering dedication in guiding our student entrepreneurs along the path to serial entrepreneurship. Their commitment has made a lasting impact.

Pictured: DUT staff and students who attended the SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 among other delegates from 14 universities across the globe.

Photographer: Khonzinkosi Magcaba

Samkelo Mtshali