A cohort of six student entrepreneurs from the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on Thursday, 29 January 2026, jetted off to Thailand to participate in the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2026.
The travelling party was headed by innobiz DUT Centre Manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo who was accompanied by innobiz DUT Business Support Coordinator Ms Hlengiwe Vundla.
The six studentpreneurs from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are Siyethemba Ngema of Isithenjwa Holdings PTY Ltd, Olwethu Mncwabe of Reigh Technology, Mpilwenhle Malinga of Think Waste Africa, Phindi Thokozani Buthelezi of Myco-Feeds, Ndumiso Mngomezulu of Lubelo Tech Solutions, and Mpumelelo Gwala of Creative Wrap SA.
Running from 30 January 2026 to 09 February 2026, the camp serves as a high-impact platform for international collaboration, innovation, and sustainable business development. This year’s theme: “Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People,” aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 11, 13, and 15).
DUT delegation with the other international participants.
The DUT delegation joins 90 participants from across the globe to tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges through entrepreneurial action. Statement of Intent: Producing Global Changemakers. DUT’s participation in the SUT-GEC 2026 is a strategic manifestation of the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy. The university’s intent is clear: to produce graduates who are not merely job seekers, but job creators who possess:
• Adaptability: The capacity to pivot and thrive within the rapidly shifting global “Startup Ecosystem.”
• A Global Perspective: The ability to collaborate across cultures, understanding that local challenges often require international insights and innovative cross-border solutions.
• Entrepreneurial Grit: The technical and soft skills required to take a concept from a “Lean Canvas” to a viable, revenue-generating business model.
The innobiz DUT Centre Manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngobo said: “We are looking forward to a successful expedition to Southeast Asia and we are confident that the student entrepreneurs would be presented with opportunities to absorb a wealth of knowledge that they will utilise on their return home to make a meaningful and enduring societal impact, not only in their individual business ventures but in the communities in which they serve.”
She shared that these were some of the resources that the University has given them access to, including the networks. Ms Ngcobo said they have a bigger global network through the University, emphasizing that programmes such as the Global Entrepreneurship Camp in Thailand ensures that those networks are utilised for the development and advancement of our students outside the academic programme.
“It is quite critical that we give our student entrepreneurs this exposure to entrepreneurship on a global level because once they are outside the University system those opportunities are limited,” Ms Ngcobo added.
Pictured: The DUT delegation during the stop-over in Hong Kong.
Samkelo Mtshali
