Page 6 - DUT Conduit Dec21

Launch of the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Simangele Zuma
A two-day hybrid launch of DUT’s newly named Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was held at the Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg on 4 and 5 November. It serves as an umbrella centre for all entrepreneurial units within the University.
Local and international guests joined DUT to celebrate this milestone. The launch included the unveiling of the Innobiz plaque, an exhibition of DUT’s entrepreneurial activities, showcasing of hubs and student businesses, fashion shows, a panel discussion with various local and international industries, networking, a gala dinner, student pitches, prizes, etc.
Amongst the dignitaries were DUT’sVice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu; Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); Dr Mboneni Muofue, Deputy Director General, DSI; Ms Mandisa Cakwe, Director: Teaching and Learning Development in Universities, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET); Dr Norah Clark, Director of the Entrepreneurial Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Sibusiso Moyo; DUT Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete; Director: Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT, Professor Keolebogile Motaung; Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mr Zwakele Ngubane; and Innobiz Midlands Centre Manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo.
Pictured: Esteemed guests at the launch of the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Pictured: DUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu; Ms Jaclyn Cole, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General; Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and DUT Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete.
Pictured: DUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu interacting with student entrepreneurs at the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation launch.
Pictured: Dignitaties exploring some of the students’ work at the DUT Agri-Hub Centre.
Pictured: Fashion and Textiles student, Diva Mobedi showcasing her garments to the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu.
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