Two Durban University of Technology (DUT) students have achieved international recognition, winning Silver and Bronze at the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The prestigious global event, hosted in Africa for the first time by DUT, took place at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel in Durban on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October 2025.
Flying the DUT flag at the grand finale, themed Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development, were Ms Tiffany Mokoteli of Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise, who won the Silver Award, and Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane, founder of Project X, who received the Bronze Award under the Start-Up Teams category. Both students are active participants in DUT’s incubation programme at the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Their awards include prizes to support further development of their ventures and showcase solutions to urban challenges. Competitors included international students from Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou University, and local entrepreneurs from Stellenbosch University.
Ms Tiffany Mokoteli.
Ms Mokoteli, a third-year Fashion Design student, developed a nano-silica finishing process for sportswear textiles that reduces stains, absorbs bacteria, and extends fabric lifespan. Conceived in late 2024, her project is currently at the prototype stage.
“I am grateful that my idea has been recognised internationally. The competition was tough, requiring constant refinement of my pitch, additional research, and guidance from mentors,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Mokoteli hopes to produce her product locally and expand beyond sportswear into other textiles. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace constructive criticism, seek mentorship, and build diverse teams to achieve their goals.
Ms Ngubane, a Doctoral student in Architecture, developed Project X, a digital construction management platform offering real-time site monitoring, material tracking, and document coordination. With features such as AI-driven risk alerts, Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration, and circular economy tools for waste reduction, she believes Project X could transform construction across Africa.
Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane.
“I am sincerely thankful to the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which encouraged me to think outside the box and guided me through the business development process,” said Ms Ngubane. Her team is now finalising the prototype and preparing for public testing.
Mr Steve Farr, Executive Director of the GISU Alliance Secretariat, praised DUT for hosting the competition, noting the university staff’s tireless efforts in preparation.
Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo, Manager of the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, congratulated the winners, stating: “It was a proud moment to see our student entrepreneurs compete and succeed on a global stage. Their achievements are an inspiration for future participants in our incubation programme.”
Mr Sithembiso Msomi, a member of the judging panel, explained that entries were assessed based on innovation, viability, commercial potential, confidence, and social impact. “We want businesses that not only succeed commercially but also positively impact communities,” he said.
Pictured: DUT student entrepreneurs, Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane and Ms Tiffany Mokoteli who won awards at the 2025 Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters/Samkelo Mtshali
