THE Youth Innovation Challenge, hosted by non-profit company Innovate Durban, was held recently at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College and culminated in an awards presentation.
This year’s Youth Innovation Challenge focused on the transport industry, specifically the developing Integrated Rapid Transport Network (IRPTN) within eThekwini Municipality. The focus was placed on challenges faced by Go!Durban (IRPTN).
More than 90 participants were taken through the solution development process using design thinking principles, while examining the local industry, and focusing on technical solution development and business development training.
Since its inception in 2014, the annual Youth Innovation Challenge competition has been an incubator for thought-provoking ideas and strategies, as a forefront to transforming the city into being the innovation hub of the country. It creates a platform for innovation to thrive in the city by empowering the citizens, particularly the youth, to become innovative in their communities and in business.
Heading the programme, Innovate Durban’s Programme Lead, Amy Benn, said the objective of the Youth Innovation Challenge this year was to give the young adults of Durban and surrounding areas an opportunity and a platform to come up with practical innovative solutions to potential problems and find compelling value propositions for new businesses surrounding the project.
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“Passengers are the backbone of the IRPTN and their needs are critical in the seamless integration and rollout of the IRPTN. Therefore, the aim of the challenge was to equip youth with the skills to develop integrated solutions in response to potential challenges and opportunities of the IRPTN through design thinking workshops and innovation interventions,” said Amy.
The theme, in collaboration with eThekwini Transport Authority and Go!Durban, was sub-categorised into six focus areas namely passenger management systems, integrated and smart payment solutions, safety and security, leveraging Infrastructure, community participation and the environment.
Team, GO’Ntrola’s, Thabiso Bhuthelezi, Lethukuthula Yeni, Musa Majola and Kwazi Zulu scooped the first prize with their ingenious concepts focusing on an App to integrate the IRPTNs various opportunities. Runners up were the Nu-Eng Team of Samkelo Ntobeko Zondi, Lindokuhle Nkanyiso Sibisi and Thalente Innocent Ngcobo, and their challenge touched on an integrated payment system. In third place were Mayuren Govender, Andries Makgolane and Siduduzo Nhlangothi.
The Woman in Design Award, given to the most outstanding female participant, was awarded to Samukelisiwe Zulu, who received this award sponsored by Aurecon. Aurecon also sponsored the Student Excellence Award, awarded to the team that best represented their tertiary institution.
The Youth Innovation Challenge winners took home prizes valued at R50 000, R35 000 and R25 000 respectively and will be part of Innovate Durban’s programme to further develop their innovations and business solutions.
To learn more about Innovate Durban and how to get involved, visit: https://bit.ly/2OIZ6Zr
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