World Bank funds innovation project to assist inventors in commercialisation process
16 June 2004
News
The World Bank has invested $400 000 towards a Web-based project that is designed to accelerate the process of entrepreneurs or inventors in the ICT and electronic sectors in bringing their products to market. The project is a joint initiative between the BTI (Bodibeng Technology Incubator) and the Durban-based ISC (KwaZulu-Natal Innovation Support Centre).
Séan Achim, business development manager at the ISC, says there is an urgent need for the dissemination of information relating to the incubation process that start-up enterprises can use to assist them in their commercialisation endeavours. "Very few entrepreneurs with sound product ideas are aware that there are organisations such as the ISC and BTI who have been charged with the task of assisting in this process. We believe that if it is properly conducted we can expect a flood of innovators to knock on our doors."
Achim says that the World Bank funding will be used to establish a Web portal that will address the process. Its mission will be to try to stimulate innovators and start up enterprises to follow a 'blueprint' methodology that can guide them through the various stages of a business process.
"Most innovators do not have any marketing skills and this portal is being established to act as a catalyst that sets up the processes using best practises and existing resources," he explains.
The ISETT Seta (the Sector Education and Training Authority for the ICT industry) has approved a learnership programme for 200 programmers who are studying the equivalent of a Microsoft Certified Software Development (MCSD) diploma.
For more information contact Séan Achim, ISC, 031 273 1500.
Further reading:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
printer friendly version