The GAP-Biosciences Programme is the first programme to focus on building entrepreneurial skills in the biosciences innovation sector in Gauteng.
Mahlangu said that the aim of the programme is to ensure that biosciences researchers and postgraduates have the vital business skills to accelerate the establishment of viable start-up companies in Gauteng. The GAP Biosciences initiative forms the foundation of the Biosciences Park at The Innovation Hub. "I am excited by the collaboration with the Departments of Science and Technology and Agriculture and Rural Development, whose contributions to this project are helping to achieve our vision of a bio-economy strategy," she said.
The GAP Biosciences programme is a partnership with Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and has been modeled on successful programmes the university has implemented. The year-long programme kicked off with a workshop in Business Basics.
Blue IQ CEO Amanda Nair explained that the second segment of GAP Biosciences is preceded by a selection of six to eight semi-finalist teams who participate in an intensive five month programme, including a week-long executive education course presented by Emory University's Goizueta Business School, and working with local and international mentors to develop business plans.
The winning team will be selected in December 2012 and will receive a R400 000 cash prize, free incubation for a year at The Innovation Hub, continued mentorship, and business support for a year.
The Innovation Hub CEO McLean Sibanda says that The Innovation Hub is the perfect home for GAP Biosciences. "We have created a unique space for high-tech entrepreneurs, world-class businesses, academics, researchers and venture capitalists to meet, network and prosper. As Africa's first internationally accredited Science and Technology Park, The Innovation Hub is a knowledge-intensive business cluster that is ideally situated in Pretoria. We are very proud of our relationship with Emory University, which will help us to bridge the gap that exists between ideas and the market."
Last month, The Innovation Hub launched the Moringa Project, a pilot plantation of Moringa Trees with the potential to supply the biodiesel, food, feedstock, pharmaceutical, water purification and animal feed markets. It also celebrated ten years of the Coachlab programme which is a postgraduate leadership programme in the fields of ICT and engineering.
