Pretoria, 25 Jul 2014
The fourth Biotech Fundi Awards competition, a flagship programme that brings together various biotechnology role players and stakeholders with the sole objective of recognising achievements and excellence in the sector, has opened for new entries.
The Biotech Fundi awards are implemented by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with The Innovation Hub in the City of Tshwane.
The Biotech Fundi Awards were initially set up by the provincial government to support, promote and develop those individuals and companies who make a significant impact on the biotechnology sector in Gauteng.
The MEC for Gauteng Department of Rural Development and Agriculture, Ms Nonhlanhla Faith Mazibuko says: "These awards fit in perfectly with the Gauteng biotechnology strategy as we promote, honour and develop individuals and companies who are making a significant impact in the biotechnology sector. I am excited to be continuing with this important event as we stimulate interest and continue to look at mechanism to improve the livelihood of citizens in our country."
The 2013 Biotech Fundi awards competitions were of a very high standard and awarded to high calibre of Biotech researchers and entrepreneurs. This competition created a number of opportunities for companies and individuals in biotechnology research and development, private sector, academia, capacity building and were recognised through six different award categories. The categories for 2014 will include the following:
Biotech Fundi Students Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Enterprise Builder / Entrepreneur Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Research Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Young Researcher Awards 2014
Biotech Fundi Capacity Builder Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Communicator Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Public Leadership Award 2014
Biotech Fundi Lifetime Contribution Award 2014
It is fitting that this awards ceremony be held in the City of Tshwane as Gauteng boasts major academic institutions in the region, such as the Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg, University of South Africa and MEDUNSA, and the world-class research organisations including the Agriculture Research Council, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, MINTEK and the National Research Foundation, Gauteng offers a unique combination of various resources to form a world-class scientific and research and development hub. Coupled with its excellent manufacturing and industrial facilities as the commercial centre of Africa, Gauteng is ideally positioned to take the lead in the development and promotion of biotechnology excellence.
The closing date for this year's entries is Sunday, 7 August 2014 at 23:30 pm. A stringent adjudication process will then take place by an independent adjudication committee. The process will then finally culminate in the official awards ceremony to be held at the Innovation Hub on 21 August 2014.
For more information, visit www.gautengbiotechawards.co.za or contact the Awards Secretariat at The Innovation Hub: Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, General Manager: Research and Innovation Tel: (012) 844 0025 or E-mail bsemete@theinnovationhub.com
GDARD
Mr Motlatjo Makaepea
Director: TDS
(011) 240 2500
motlatjo.makaepea@gauteng.gov.za
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