The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has changed the course of history by becoming the first university in Africa to host the esteemed Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The Technology, Transfer and Innovation unit, in collaboration with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently launched the much-anticipated 2025 GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Under the theme: “Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development,” the competition saw five DUT students from 28 universities in 23 different countries to have been chosen as finalists which will culminate at DUT from 30 October to 31 October 2025. The student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world will be competing to showcase their solutions to urban challenges and to work towards becoming job creators instead of job seekers.
Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT said that this competition will offer a platform to enhance the brilliance of student innovators and entrepreneurs who are aiming to solve some of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.
“This competition is more than just a showcase, it is a platform for our student innovators and entrepreneurs to apply their creativity, research, and passion to real-world urban challenges. It connects them with global peers, fosters cross-cultural collaboration, and exposes them to international best practices. Through this experience, they are not only representing our institution but also proving that our young innovators have the ideas and drive to shape sustainable cities of the future. We wish them every success as they enter the finals,” she added.
One of the finalists is Tiffany Mokoteli, who is currently a third year as a Fashion Design student at DUT. Speaking about her business called Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise, the young lass said that her
entrepreneurial journey is driven by a passion for merging creativity with innovation to solve real-world problems in the textile industry. “I am developing a nano-silica fabric finishing concept, a technology that can improve fabric quality and performance in unique ways. My vision is to see African-made textiles compete globally while promoting local manufacturing. I’m committed to using my studies, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to create meaningful change in the industry,” she explained.
When she heard the announcement of her being one of the finalists, Mokoteli indicated that it was
both motivating and inspiring to be selected as a finalist in an international competition. “This recognition validates my vision for improving textile innovation in South Africa and boosts my confidence, knowing that industry leaders see its potential to make a real impact,” she responded ecstatically.
Sharing on her business model, Mokoteli relayed that it focuses on nano-silica finishing, a chemical treatment for textiles that reduces stains, absorbs bacteria, and extends fabric lifespan, among other benefits. Her current focus is on sportswear textiles. She expressed that the business was conceived in late 2024 to early 2025, and the project is still in its prototype stage.
In terms of the competition and what it entailed, Mokoteli shared that the competition involved pitching her nano-silica finishing concept to DUT entrepreneurship coordinators and a panel of judges. “It required me to keep refining my pitch, adding detail, and making it more specific. That process not only boosted my confidence but also confirmed that my innovation can fill a gap in the market. I would love to use the opportunity to get mentorship, financial resources, and connections that can help turn my prototype into something real. It would mean being able to take my idea further, work with the right people, and hopefully bring it into the market to start making a difference in South Africa’s textile industry,” she expressed.
Mokoteli says it’s vital for students to empower themselves despite embarking on their studies.
“It’s important because studies alone don’t prepare you for everything. Learning to take initiative and to build something while you’re still a student grows your confidence and resilience. For me, it’s about not waiting for opportunities after graduating but starting to create them now,” she emphasised.
For her, this competition ties in perfectly with her fashion design studies because it challenges her to think beyond the creative side. “It’s made me combine design skills with business thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, all of which I’ll need to make my idea succeed. The announcement date will be shared by the organisers. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on improving my idea, building connections, and preparing for whatever opportunities come after the competition, whether I win or not,” she added.
Mokoteli’s advice to future students entering such a competition is to go for it, even if one is feeling nervous. “Keep refining your idea and be open to feedback. And most importantly, believe in your concept and present it in a way that shows your passion, people respond to that,” she highlighted.
Going forward, Mokoteli’s short-term goal is to complete and test her nano-silica finishing prototype. “Long-term, I want to see it produced locally and used widely, starting with sportswear and eventually expanding to other textiles. This competition has reminded me that ideas from South Africa can stand out internationally. I’m grateful for the recognition and more determined than ever to keep pushing forward with my vision,” she said.
Pictured: Tiffany Mokoteli
Waheeda Peters
