The Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre (STC), which is operated by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), has proudly been accepted into the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Launch League Green Specialisation Programme; a capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping incubators and innovation hubs to support and grow green entrepreneurs within their communities.
The STC is a key operation of the MBDA in the Kariega area, specifically focused on igniting interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers among young people in the region.
By engaging schools and communities in hands-on learning, the STC plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers. Now, through its participation in the UK-South Africa Tech Hub’s Launch League Green Specialisation Programme, the STC team is expanding its impact by growing its ability to support green entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of a local green economy.
Selected as one of just ten participating organisations, the STC joins a cohort dedicated to exploring new strategies for sustainability-focused innovation, job creation, and community development.
The programme includes virtual bootcamps, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning, all designed to build the internal capability needed to drive green economic development.
Programme highlights include:
• Three interactive virtual bootcamps between May and July
• Dedicated coaching and mentorship from green economy experts
• Collaborative sessions with other South African innovation hubs
• Specialised content on green economy strategy, networks and partnerships, and hub positioning
• Tools and guidance to design and deliver targeted programmes for green entrepreneurs
The STC sees this opportunity as a natural extension of its mission to empower local communities through knowledge and skills development.
“It is very important for the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to preparing young people and entrepreneurs for the future economy,” says Mandela Bay Development Agency CEO Anele Qaba.
“This programme helps us build on the work the team has already done and gives us the tools to better support entrepreneurs who are creating real solutions to environmental and climate challenges.”
He added, “Green entrepreneurship and business innovation that reduce environmental impact, are a critical growth area for South Africa. With unemployment high and climate pressures mounting, hubs like the STC are uniquely placed to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who can drive both economic inclusion and environmental sustainability.”
The STC’s Research, Innovation & Sustainability Manager, Singathwa Poswa, is joined on the programme by MBDA Project Manager, Bulelani Mara.
“We’ve explored the fundamentals of the green economy and its various sectors, and engaged in practical work to identify the green sectors where we could make a real impact,” said Poswa.
“The programme is proving to be very insightful, and our interactive sessions have set the tone for what promises to be a transformative learning journey.”
Participation in the Launch League Green programme opens the door for the STC to design future-focused programmes in areas such as renewable energy, waste innovation, sustainable farming, and green manufacturing.
The ultimate goal is to support young innovators in turning ideas into sustainable, impact-driven businesses that respond to both environmental and socio-economic challenges in Nelson Mandela Bay.
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