By: Robert
Kwaku Annor
Founders participating in
the Deep Tech for Africa Cohort 2 programme have visited key scientific
research, innovation and technology development institutions in Pretoria, South
Africa, as part of efforts to strengthen their understanding of the country's
research and commercialisation ecosystem.
The visits included the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and The Innovation Hub,
Gauteng’s first accredited Science and Technology Park (STP).
At the CSIR, the founders
were introduced to a range of research and innovation initiatives through
presentations covering various fields, including food processing and a
demonstration of the Precision Agriculture Information System.
The visit also included
tours of specialised research laboratories, testing facilities and pilot plants
across different sectors, providing participants with insights into ongoing
scientific research and technology development.
The cohort's South Africa
experience continued at The Innovation Hub, where founders engaged with
researchers, venture capitalists and other stakeholders from different fields
within the innovation ecosystem.
The interactions provided
opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, collaboration and exploring
potential partnerships.
According to the Botswana
Digital and Innovation Hub, the visits form part of the cohort's broader
programme activities in South Africa, offering founders first-hand exposure to
the country's research, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem while fostering
connections that can help advance deep tech solutions across the continent.
The Deep Tech for Africa
programme, developed by the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and
Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Government of Botswana, seeks to
empower leading scientific minds to translate advanced research into practical
solutions addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Through exposure, ecosystem
engagement and opportunities for collaboration, the programme supports the
development of Africa's next generation of deep tech innovators and
entrepreneurs.
