Page 77 - KZN Top Business Portfolio-eBook 2022
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and mission of developing innovation in the region. This also includes ad hoc advisory services.
They do this through upholding the organisational The annual Innovation Festival Durban (IF Durban)
values of:
brings together thought-leaders, innovators, creatives
Creating momentum for, and driving projects and and business to learn about the innovative trends in
programmes in the city that innovatively tackle social, various industries. It is also an opportunity to showcase
system and structure issues that hinder growth and the successful innovators and innovations that are
perpetuate poverty developed in Durban.
Collaborating with, and connect, stakeholders from The Innovate Durban Pitching Den is an annual
all spheres, to work together to ‘disrupt’ thinking, event hosted within the Innovation Festival. It
and practice and create new opportunities for active provides an opportunity for innovators to market or
participation by all in growth and renewal. pitch their innovative products / solutions. The top
three pitches are awarded prize money to develop
Connecting those in need with real opportunity, by their ideas or businesses.
providing, inter alia, practical tools and training, access
to resources and support for self-improvement, business The Capacity and Skills Development Programme
start-ups and community-building and upliftment. focuses on critical and future skills development,
including but not limited to: design thinking, digital
Celebrating the city of Durban, promoting all that it
has done and will do for its citizens, to attract, retain and literacy and skills development, robotics, virtual reality,
drone pilot training and acceleration, and specialised
support the business and investors needed to underpin machine training.
growth and development.
The Innovate Durban Research programme
Their facilities include the Innovate Durban Head office,
in Durban CBD and Innovation Co-Lab, launched in 2021 produces research outputs that seek to inform the
and situated in the township community of Cato Manor. organisation, its stakeholders, beneficiaries, investors
and the general public on the status of innovation
Innovation Co-Lab within Durban, the level and type of support available
The Innovation Co-Lab is a community centre that and the gaps that exist.
is designed to empower people to become more In addition to the above Programmes and Platforms,
innovative in problem-solving, create opportunities for Innovate Durban offers the following services for
new businesses, create jobs, and tackle social issues in businesses:
their community.
Innovation management and advisory
The centre is fully kitted with technological equipment Customised innovation and intrapreneurial
such as 3D and resin printers, VR technology, drones, programmes
robotics kits, and laser cutters that anyone can access Innovation centre/hub development
and have use of this type of equipment. The purpose Laser cutting services
of developing a centre of this nature in Cato Manor is 3D printing services
to make innovation and technology more accessible Venue hire
to lower income members of the community. Plans Co-working space
are underway to develop more Co-Lab’s in other
township economies with an additional centre set up
in Richmond, KZN.
Programmes and Events
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) is an annual
programme that provides youth with an opportunity
to address challenges faced by various sectors and
organisations in an innovative and creative way.
The Start Up Support Programme (SUSP) is a
12-month innovation and business accelerator
programme providing innovators with business
and technical skills taking them from concept to
commercialisation.
The Innovation Support Fund and Advosry offers
support to innovators that have a more focused need
for funding for prototype development and testing.
Opening of the Innovation Co-Lab in Cato Manor
www.innovate.durban 75
