Page 3 - KZN Business Sense 9.3 Aurelia Albert eBook

FOSTERING INNOVATION

AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

nnovation plays a crucial role witness Durban and KZN emerge
in the growth and development as a hub of innovation within
Iof cities, regions, and nations. South Africa, fostering remarkable
South Africa, a country with a growth and development in the
rich history and diverse economy, region. A standout achievement
has recognised the significance during her tenure as CEO has
of fostering innovation and been the extraordinary expansion
entrepreneurship to drive of Innovate Durban and its
economic growth and tackle recognition beyond the borders
societal challenges. Nestled in the of Durban with national and
heart of Durban, a pioneering international recognition. The
agency called Innovate Durban most recent achievement being
has emerged as a catalyst for leading Innovate Durban’s
innovation, nurturing local talent, Innovation Co-Lab into
and transforming ideas into successfully being regarded as
viable businesses. an American Corner by the US
Embassy.
Innovate Durban is a registered
NPO founded in 2017, that Looking ahead, Albert’s
aims to support innovation aspirations for Innovate Durban
and innovators in the Durban are to continue making a
KwaZulu-Natal region and Aurelia Albert, Chief Executive Officer, Innovate Durban significant and lasting difference
beyond. The roots of Innovate in the realm of innovation. She
Durban trace back to its inception youth with the necessary tools t Co-Lab in Cato Manor and the dedication and leadership have aims to further bolster support
as a programme conceptualised o become successful innovators recently launched Innovation propelled Innovate Durban from a and nurture the businesses
by the eThekwini Municipality and change-makers. Hub and Robotics Laboratory small team of four staff members to and innovations of the talented
Economic Development and Another flagship programme in the Richmond Community, a robust organisation with a team innovators within the community,
Investment Promotion Unit. This of Innovate Durban is the promoting inclusivity and of 14 professionals. creating an environment where
programme took shape through Start-Up Support Programme, empowering individuals to their ideas can thrive and flourish.
the intervention of the Innovation which provides incubation and innovate and thrive. Albert’s further aspirations
Stakeholder Forum, a quarterly acceleration support to budding for Innovate Durban include An Unstoppable Catalyst
gathering aimed at deliberating the and established innovators. Dedicated Leadership continued impact in the In conclusion, Innovate
state of innovation and innovation Through this programme, Under the leadership of Aurelia innovation landscape and Durban has emerged as an
support in Durban, KZN. entrepreneurs take their concept Albert, Innovate Durban has made the growth of businesses and unstoppable catalyst, propelling
innovations developed by
Under the leadership of its CEO, through to market readiness, a significant impact on the local the agency’s innovators. By innovation, entrepreneurship,
Aurelia Albert, the agency has they gain access to funding innovation ecosystem. The agency supporting and nurturing local and economic prosperity in the
become a custodian of innovation opportunities and investment has supported numerous startups, talent, Innovate Durban, under KZN region. With a rich variety
in the region, providing various networks, mentorship, and many of which have achieved Albert’s guidance, aims to of programs and platforms, the
programmes and platforms to business development support, remarkable success. position Durban and the KZN agency empowers innovators,
support innovative entrepreneurs reducing barriers to entry and In just the 2021/2022 financial region as leaders of innovation and startups, and fosters an
at every stage of their lifecycle. increasing their chances of year, Innovate Durban has in South Africa. all-encompassing innovation
successfully commercialising their ecosystem. By actively engaging
Vital Initiatives innovation. been successful in creating 11 A Hub of Innovation with industry leaders, marginalised
employment opportunities,
These programmes and platforms As pioneers in the KZN attracting R2,5 million in Having previously served as communities, the public sector,
are dedicated to nurturing region’s innovation landscape, innovation funding, successfully the programme manager for and SMMEs, Innovate Durban
innovation and entrepreneurship Innovate Durban acknowledges supporting six innovations innovation within eThekwini is reshaping the very fabric of the
within the region, catering to the inherent obstacles they face. through to commercialisation Municipality, Aurelia Albert innovation landscape in Durban
the unique requirements of the Despite the rapid evolution of and enhancing Durban’s brings a wealth of valuable career and extending its influence
innovation ecosystem. They serve the innovation sector, gender overall competitiveness in the accomplishments in the field to her far beyond. In doing so, it has
as vital initiatives that play a pivotal imbalances and limited access to global market. Additionally, role as CEO of Innovate Durban. solidified its position as a dynamic
role in supporting and guiding innovation resources, addressing Innovate Durban’s emphasis Since the organisation’s inception, and vibrant hub of innovation,
startups on their journey. One these challenges is a top priority on sustainability has led to the she has been at the forefront, driving South Africa’s innovation
of their notable programmes is for Innovate Durban and they development of eco-friendly guiding Innovate Durban with agenda forward with unwavering
the Youth Innovation Challenge, have made substantial progress businesses and solutions that her expertise and dedication. Her determination. 
which aims to capacitate young through proactive initiatives. address environmental challenges. leadership has played a pivotal role
individuals with innovative skills Innovate Durban specialises in in propelling the agency’s mission W: www.innovate.durban
and resources to create solutions establishing Innovation Centres As the CEO of Innovate Durban, and vision to new heights.
for societal challenges. This in marginalised communities, Aurelia Albert is driven by the
initiative serves as an introduction providing crucial access to digital vision of transforming the region Her unwavering commitment to
to innovation and innovative and technological resources. into a dynamic and inclusive leading Innovate Durban stems
thinking and empowers the Examples include the Innovation innovation ecosystem. Her from a deep-rooted desire to

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