Page 21 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

3.7 INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3.7.1 Innovation Hubs and Startup Incubators
KZN IEETR Centre supports innovation through their flagship projects and cross-faculty collaboration, including interdisciplinary research projects. The centre is working with Innobiz DUT to establish the Juncao Technology Center based on Agri-hub located at Indumiso Campus.
The TTI is planning to host the GISU competition proposed for October 2025 in collaboration with the CI which has officially been part of the organizing committee and will work together with other units to jointly host this competition at DUT. This collaboration will also support two DUT CI students to participate in the International Entrepreneurship competition in China in the second half of 2025 as well as organizing the SA Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Tour to China in September 2025.
3.7.2 Entrepreneurship Programmes and Competitions
The TTI has formalized an agreement to host the GISU Global Entrepreneurship Competition in October 2025. In addition, the sixth annual Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition will be held from March to November 2025, targeting members and affiliate members of the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities. This event aims to foster innovation and collaboration across international academic communities.
KZN IEETR has confirmed its participation in both the Energy Class and AI Class at MEBC 2025, further promoting innovation and encouraging healthy competition among students in these fields. Meanwhile, the Innobiz DUT is actively recruiting for the 2025 Incubation Intake.This recruitment process is supported by activation campaigns across all campuses, along with presentations of Innobiz’s service offerings to various faculties. To date, approximately 1,209 students have been reached through these campaigns and orientations.
CSERI continues to provide critical support to 52 small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the 2024/2025 cohort through its dynamic incubation programme.This initiative fosters entrepreneurial growth by offering essential resources and guidance to help entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses. In the first quarter of 2025, CSERI hosted two key masterclasses: Risk Management and Pitching.The Risk Management masterclass equipped entrepreneurs with valuable tools to identify, assess, prioritize, mitigate, and monitor risks. The session emphasized a proactive approach to risk management and the importance of turning potential threats into opportunities. Participants learned to focus on high-impact and high-likelihood risks, manage inevitable risks, and cultivate a risk-aware organizational culture.The Pitching masterclass was designed to enhance participants’ presentation skills. Entrepreneurs learned techniques in voice projection, body language, and crafting a persuasive elevator pitch, equipping them with the confidence and skills to present effectively to potential investors and stakeholders.
In addition, a final-year Taxation student, participated in the DUT Hult competition with his innovative social enterprise, Myco- Feeds. Myco-Feeds addresses food insecurity through sustainable agriculture, specifically mushroom cultivation. This initiative, showcased at the Hult Prize competition hosted by the DUT Business School,demonstrates the impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing pressing global issues, such as food security.This work exemplifies the faculty’s commitment to supporting students who strive for academic excellence while creating positive social change.
The Department of Architecture has actively engaged students in two significant competitions during the first quarter of 2025. Honours students participated in an Ice Breaker Assessment, which led to the national design competition entry for the Italian Design Day 2025 South Africa Student Competition. This competition, focused on the design of an Exhibition Stand, was coordinated in collaboration withTshwane University ofTechnology and the Italian Embassy in South Africa. The entry was submitted on in February 2025. Furthermore, the Department hosted a representative from Saint-Gobain, a globally renowned manufacturer and supplier of architectural products.During this session,students were introduced to Saint-Gobain’s innovative product offerings, sustainable building solutions, and industry advancements. The representative also outlined opportunities for students to participate in Saint-Gobain’s Student Contest and International Competition, which provides aspiring architects with global exposure and experience. Students are preparing to enter the competition by 25 April 2025.
3.7.3 Technological Advancements and Patents
DUT is working on the development of AI and hydrogen-powered boat technologies supported by the KZN IEETR Centre.
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