Sustainable technologies will be showcased and awarded in Johannesburg on the evening of Friday, 26 March with the announcement of the winners of the 2021 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP-SA).
From using waste material to make bricks with high insulation properties to growing low-cost, drought-resistant moringa "miracle trees" for the production of biodiesel, oil, powdered leaves and seedcakes, the entries in this year's competition are wide-ranging and of high quality.
An initiative of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), GCIP-SA is part of a global initiative aimed at promoting clean technology innovations and supporting entrepreneurs in growing their SMMEs and start-ups into viable, investment-ready businesses.
The initiative was co-founded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Cleantech Open.
The GCIP-SA programme offers entrepreneurs training, mentoring, access to capital, cash awards and opportunities to showcase their products. The current process started in March 2020, attracting 81 prospective participants from around the country following an intensive drive of screenings. Ten finalists were selected following the last round of GCIP-SA pitching sessions in Cape Town and Johannesburg in February this year.
The Acting Head of GCIP-SA, Senisha Moonsamy, said the programme provides SMMEs with technological support and business readiness training. "Our 2020 GCIP contestants have shown immense potential for curbing youth unemployment through their innovative and much-needed products and services,'' Ms Moonsamy added.
One of the finalists is Elijah Djan, whose business, Nubrix, aims to revolutionise the way houses are built by using waste materials. Another finalist, Ruse Moleshe, is the Director of Sanineat, the first green innovation enterprise in Mpumalanga. The company uses drought-resistant crops to produce biodiesel and other products. Meanwhile, Iraka Biotech, co-founded by Dr Cornelius Ssemekalu, has developed a green vaccine production technology that makes high-quality veterinary vaccines affordable and reliably accessible.
Also in the running are Gift Lubele (Kudoti), Marlene Badenhorst (SlideLuvre), Kosi Khumkani (RenewablesZA), Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Hustlenomics), Gabriella Nxumalo (GABResources), Farai Nzilike (Indoni Yamanzi Hydrotech), and Dr Sean Perry (Acid Mine Drainage Solutions).
The Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources at the DSI, Daan du Toit, will deliver the keynote address. Mphathi Nyewe from the Black Business Council will also speak at the event.
DETAILS OF THE EVENT:
Date: Friday, 26 March
Time: 18:00
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Sandton
Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency
ENQUIRIES:
Vusi Langa, Head of Marketing and Communications (TIA) at 073 766 0200 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Veronica Mohapeloa (DSI) at 083 400 5750 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT TIA
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a public entity in South Africa that serves as the key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation chasm (gap) between research and development from higher education institutions, science councils, public entities and the private sector, and commercialisation (beneficiation). TIA was established in 2010 and has a national reach, with offices in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng. The main thrust of the mandate of TIA is funding and supporting innovative technologies that show potential to be commercialised. The organisation also has programmes that provide non-financial support to innovators and SMMEs. TIA is a catalyst and enabler of innovation through various partnership initiatives locally, in the African continent and globally.
For more information, visit www.tia.org.za
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