Research
“A celebration of creativity, ambition, and the power of ideas”
The third day of the Unisa Innovation Festival 2024, which commenced on 27 November 2024, continued to witness enthusiastic students showcasing their bold ideas to a panel of adjudicators and a live audience. This weeklong event saw students continuing to take on the challenge of presenting ideas to solve today’s problems.
Prof Les Labuschagne, Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Innovation that bridges inequality
In his welcome address, Professor Les Labuschagne, Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, said that this event is a celebration of creativity, ambition, and the power of ideas.
“Innovation,” he said, “is the spark that drives change, solves problems and creates opportunities. Today, we are here to celebrate that spark with the university’s students, whose bold ideas promise to shape the future.”
A distinguished thinker and catalyst for growth, Labuschagne explained that innovation is the cornerstone of progress, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, adding that it holds the key to unlocking solutions for pressing societal challenges, from unemployment and poverty to access to education and healthcare. “By fostering a culture of innovation, “he said, “we empower individuals to create opportunities, drive economic growth and bridge inequality.”
He continued: “Events such as this not only spark new ideas, but additionally cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit needed to transform the country into a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable society. Therefore, your contributions today are part of this vital journey towards national development.”
Known as a champion of innovative projects who fosters partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes, Labuschagne said that this innovation challenge was born out of simple yet powerful ideas, that is, to give students a stage where they can transform ideas into impactful solutions to 21st century societal challenges. “It is a journey of creativity, learning and action where we nurture talent, fund promising projects and guide students into shaping their ideas into commercially viable innovations,” he added.
Labuschagne remarked that the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC) provides training in various aspects necessary toward the formation of start-ups, including customer discovery and mentorship, among others. Furthermore, he encouraged the use of mentors, who, he said, provide technical assistance in developing solutions and products. “Some of them comprise the speakers and adjudicators at this festival, therefore, use this opportunity to engage with them to get invaluable counsel,” he advised the students.
Concluding his message, Labuschagne acknowledged Ayanda Noma, Director: Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, and his team as the architects behind the Innovation Festival, adding, “your leadership and passion culminated in this remarkable event where students are inspired and encouraged to stretch their imagination into ideas that solve 21st century needs.”
Zoho Corporation, a bootstrapped idea
In his keynote address, tech maestro Andrew Bourne, Regional Manager: Africa, Zoho Corporation, centred his message on Zoho Corporation, a powerful global company, with over 25 years in business, 150 global customer databases, 100 million users, and more than 15 thousand employees. Bourne said Zoho is described as a billion-dollar company, not just by valuation but by actual revenue.
Andrew Bourne, Regional Manager: Africa, Zoho Corporation
Bourne said that Zoho is among the top ten OEM (original equipment manufacturer) companies headquartered in India. Sowed as a bootstrapped idea, Zoho bloomed into a profitable company, specialising in creating computer software, web-based business tools, and applications, commonly known as the Zoho Office Suite.
Throughout the presentation, Bourne revealed that he is a former professional wakeboarder turned international property salesman, who later transitioned into tech sales. He said that everyone has brilliant ideas, and with the right support, they can turn into profitable business ventures.
Concluding his message, Bourne said that the corporation is launching Zoho Solo in February 2025. This is an app tailored for what he described as the solopreneur journey. He revealed that he will give first and exclusive access to the Innovation Festival participants to test it.
Innovators Chad Lucas, Sarah Mbali, Clint Raynor Morar, and Annemari Eloff
Throughout the day, students continued to present their ideas to the judges and audience, who applauded, evaluated and assessed the viability of their projects, challenging them to go further and dream boldly.
This festival is more than a challenge, It is a space for students to dream boldly, learn deeply and act decisively. This platform was designed to foster creativity, fund innovative projects and provide the tools needed to bring impactful ideas to life through initiatives and ventures based on research and ideas.
* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement
* * Photography by Mpho Moloele, Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Publish date: 2024/11/28
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