The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the Hibiscus Coast municipality, in partnership with the Port Shepstone Techno Hub, will be hosting an Innovation Day this Thursday, 30 June.
As part of the day's activities, there will be a line-up of ICT experts addressing the audience about issues relating to innovation and technology. A huge part of innovation day will be centred on a tour around the science and technology park. This will be introduced to interested stakeholders, the media and members of the community.
The Port Shepstone Techno Hub is calling on high-tech entrepreneurs such as researchers, property developers and computer programmers who are interested in establishing innovative tech businesses. Businesses to be established within the hub range from app development SMEs to 3D printing businesses to drone development businesses and other companies focusing on developing ICT products and equipment.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, the technology park will be the first of four such Techno Hubs which are being developed in the province. This is in a bid to add a new dimension to the area's traditional rural economy by providing a new collaborative space for business and young entrepreneurs to stimulate growth and create opportunities.
GWI Group project director Basil Karstadt says the Innovation Day will showcase the practical aspects of the Techno Hub in which the private sector, public entities and academia can come together.
"We are extremely excited to host the first Innovation Day at the Port Shepstone Techno Hub. The different entities will collaborate and form partnerships in the space of innovation and technology," he points out.
On the day there will also be the official unveiling of the Techno Hub Web site, which will take place at the Ugu Sport n Leisure Club, notes Karstadt.
Dr Clive Coetzee, general manager: Infrastructure Management and Economic Services at the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, says today's business leaders understand that technology and innovation are the cornerstones of their company's future success and the provincial government has identified a need for technological innovation and collaboration in the province.
"The four Techno Hubs situated in key areas across the province will promote a knowledge economy, drive socio-economic development and increase competitiveness.
"They also present an ideal opportunity to create jobs and attract investment," he explains.
The Port Shepstone Techno Hub, he adds, is already in the construction phase. It has been identified as an ideal location for a Sports Academy centre of excellence. It has also attracted an investor who is considering developing a hotel on the site.
"It will focus on attracting local talent, provide training and skills development so that these persons will be well-prepared and equipped to establish themselves or become employed in the hospitality industry," notes Coetzee.
The province says opportunities are available for the private and public sectors, academic institutions as well as small and medium enterprises who may be interested in occupying any of the tech hubs within the science and technology park.
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