Page 34 - Demo

Durban University of Technology 32The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has made history by becoming the first university in Africa to host the prestigious Alliance of Guangzhou International SisterCity Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The Technology, Transfer and Innovation Unit, in collaboration with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, officially launched the 2025 competition at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson campus in April 2025.This year%u2019s competition is themed: %u2018Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development.%u2019 DUT participants will be among students from 28 universities in 23 different countries. The finale will be held at DUT from 30-31 October 2025, where student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world will be competing for big prizes to help take their businesses to new heights.In her welcome address, Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT, said that it was a proud moment for DUT to be the first African university to host the competition. She extended her appreciation to the Alliance of GISU for affording the University the opportunity to carry the torch of urban innovation in 2025. DUT is a proud member of the this alliance.%u201cIt is the first time that this global challenge is brought to the African continent; more specifically to South Africa, here in our very own institution. We don%u2019t take this lightly; it is a proud moment for us,%u201d said Dr Ntola, who also thanked the GISU secretariat for guidance and support during the inaugural hosting phase.%u201cThe theme is not only timely but necessary, as our cities, including Durban, are at the forefront of climate change, inequality, migration, unemployment and technology disruptions and yet, our cities are also hubs of hope, centres of innovation and engines of economic development,%u201d said Dr Ntola.She further stated that innovation and entrepreneurship were among the most powerful tools that could be used to drive sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban futures. Dr Ntola said that this competition will offer a platform to harness the brilliance of DUT FIRST IN AFRICA TO HOST URBAN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITIONstudent innovators and entrepreneurs who dare to solve some of the world%u2019s most pressing urban challenges.Attending the launch online from China, Steven Farr, Director of International Programmes for the Alliance of GISU, said that they were excited that DUT was playing host to this year%u2019s competition. He said they were looking forward to travelling to DUT for the finale. He wished all participants the greatest of success, sharing his excitement of hearing about their innovations and businesses, which are making an impact in society and the world.Farr gushed about the incredibly informative launch and was certain that DUT students will be keen to participate in the competition and that they will be well prepared.Representing Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, the Deputy ViceChancellor of Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, was Professor Rendani Maladzhi, Associate Professor and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering at DUT, who reiterated that programmes such as these were significant, as they were aligned with DUT%u2019s ENVISION2030 strategy.%u201cWe are looking to produce graduates who are entrepreneurial. Our next Elon Musk and innovators will come from DUT. This is a wonderful opportunity; we are bringing the world to Durban, to Pictured: DUT student and staff excited about hosting the 2025 GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.