Page 44 - CSERI Annual Review eBook

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
DUT CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MAKER SPACE SIGNAGE BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD PROGRAMME 2021/2022
The Centre partnered with the Mr. Steve Gray from Maker Space Foundation in Durban to run a pilot project over five sessions to train students on the use of the Maker Space equipment. Approximately 72 students from across different faculties were taught to design and manufacture items that had the potential of being commercialized using the Laser Cutter and 3-D printers at the CSERI Maker Space. The items included lighting, phone stands and signage. Students were highly inspired by the sessions since they were able to use the machines themselves and take home the products they had made.
The aim and purpose of this project was to identify 60 student/ youth entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary equipment and tools to think creatively and develop them as start-up enterprises. This was done through the five planned workshop events to develop capacity in the use of the Maker Space equipment and all ideas generated were tested in terms of viability and sustainability, thus leading to commercializing of the products.
OVERLAPPING OBJECTIVES
• Train youth and women
• Develop marketable products
• Build capacity within the Maker Space
• Entrepreneurial development
The students were trained on the following:
SIGNAGE BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD
Learn how to leverage equipment at the Maker Space to start their own signage business.
LETTERPRESS DESIGNS
Learn how to leverage equipment at the Maker Space to make objects for lighting, wall decor, desk objects, gifting and scale prototypes for furniture
CNC FOR FURNITURE
Learn how to leverage equipment at the Maker Space to make furniture from plywood
3D PRINTING FOR DESIGNERS
Learn how to leverage equipment at the Maker Space to make lighting using 3D printed connectors and common structural materials.
42 CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENUESHIP RAPID INCUBATOR