The South Africa National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) recently embarked on a Waste-To-Value roadshow in the Eastern Cape, targeting urban and rural areas.
Through the Propella Business Incubator, one of the eight regional hubs addressing the province’s waste management challenges, the NCIC, aimed to engage cleantech entrepreneurs and encourage innovative solutions.
Making stops in Makhanda, East London, Qonce, Mthatha, Nxuba (formerly Cradock), and Graaff-Reinet, the initiative provided insightful information sessions on opportunities to transform waste into value.
This programme supported South Africa’s transition to a carbon-neutral and green economy.
Zandile Silo, Marketing Communications Manager for Propella Business Incubator, told the Express that during their roadshow across the province, they were met with strong ideas that have the potential to progress to the national rounds of the NCIC.
“The Eastern Cape is extremely rich in innovation that is not yet fully explored, even though there are many opportunities waiting for its people.
“Part of the roadshow was to identify innovators who can help close the pipeline gap within the innovation ecosystem, and we came across several interesting and sound ideas that may be ready for the challenge.
“We also gained a deeper understanding of how important it is to have partners and structures in place that not only support innovators through funding, but also cultivate people to develop creative ideas that can solve waste challenges in their communities.”
She said during their stop in Mthatha, they were thrilled to hear about medical waste innovation projects at Walter Sisulu University, and the challenges they shared really resonated with them.
“At the Walter Sisulu University’s Mthatha campus, we had the opportunity to hear about projects from innovators in the medical waste industry, which truly excited us. These are some of the challenges we are particularly interested in,” she said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.