The SA Innovation Summit 2016 once again offers a jam-packed programme designed to ignite and accelerate innovation in every sense.
The summit, hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni from September 21 to 24, at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, in Boksburg, brings together the most important players in innovation today — thought-leaders, highly successful and up-and-coming entrepreneurs, the most innovative businesses, inventors, government policy-makers, motivational speakers, young innovators, tech whizz kids and more.
It offers the opportunity to see and hear some of the most inspirational innovation speakers live in action, showcase, demonstrate, present, pitch, shop, learn, network, make deals and, ultimately, make a difference through innovation.
Innovators and corporates will participate in the Pitching Den, which will allow the innovators to present their ideas to a wide international audience.
The City of Ekurhuleni is making a contribution to innovation through establishing Fablabs in Tembisa, Tsakane and Thokoza to drive innovation amongst the youth.
Lab capabilities include 3D printing, CNC milling, circuit production and laser cutting or engraving.
Summit director Dr Audrey Verhaeghe is excited about partnering with the City of Ekurhuleni and what the City brings to the programme.
“This was the perfect fit for us,” said Verhaeghe.
“Ekurhuleni is already very active as an innovator with its Fablabs, which promote innovation and support entrepreneurship within disadvantaged communities.
“The partnership also brings the concept of an Aerotropolis to the forefront.
“Ekurhuleni is essentially an Aerotropolis, as it has a large airport at its centre.
“We’re looking forward to exploring this concept, through both dialogue with the City and the actual experience of having thousands of drivers of innovation together in an Aerotropolis for four days.”
Caiphus Chauke, Ekurhuleni head of department for Economic Development, believes the partnership creates a platform to teach and learn.
“With a number of developments taking shape around the Aerotropolis and Digital City transformations, the summit will ignite the City’s mandate to stimulate innovation, support and discover fledgling talent in Ekurhuleni,” he said.
The highlight of the summit will be the building of a Lego City of Opportunity.
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