Flagship business and technology incubator, SoftstartBTI, has established an innovative approach to tertiary education satellite incubation with the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Officially agreed upon last week, the approach is based on the new model and implementation plan formulated at last year's Tertiary Education Satellite Incubation Programme (TESIP) Workshop.
"We are very excited about reaching what is an important milestone for us," enthuses Leonie Greyling, Strategic Alliances and Projects Manager and TESIP coordinator for SoftstartBTI. "This is the first implementation of the formula that was ratified at the workshop last October and a reflection of the momentum we are starting to gather."
The new model makes it easier for universities to set up ICT incubation programmes and provides critical linkages to government and industry. "Universities are key role-players in harnessing innovation through satellite incubation," observes Greyling, "which is particularly relevant within the African context."
Citing the different skill sets, large geographical areas and severe funding shortages that are indicative of the wider African incubation landscape, Greyling emphasises the urgent need for further implementations of the innovative model.
"It's about making optimum use of the limited resources we have," she confirms, "and spreading incubation programmes into rural areas to maximise their reach and impact."
Another reason why Greyling is particularly excited about the potential of the DUT collaboration is the high level support for the initiative. "Having a strong champion within the tertiary institution is very important," she explains, "and we are delighted that Colin Thakur has taken on that role for us at the DUT."
Associate Director of Information Technology at the DUT, Thakur explains that the model immediately inspired him and he committed to the process straight away.
"I am very excited about this project and the tremendous opportunity it offers our students," he confirms. "The previous model of education, with universities being providers of human resources to industry, is no longer applicable. Industry is simply not consuming enough graduates and we have to focus on producing graduates that are self-employable. In many respects, the incubator is a natural extension of this philosophy."
Although the official launch of the programme is several weeks away, the DUT has already been in contact with numerous students and companies. "We have already approached three local companies and several international firms," confirms Thakur. "They have all responded really positively and we hope to be able to start supporting them very soon."
Operating from the TABEISA enterprise centre on the DUT campus, the plan is to offer both virtual and physical incubation to students and start-ups. "We envisage the programme doubling in size each year," Thakur enthuses, "and if we can have just one success a year and it ends up employing just five people, the positive impact could be tremendous and make a real, substantial difference."
The official launch could well coincide with the next TESIP workshop in April 2007 and parties interested in finding out more about the workshop, TESIP in general or pre-registering for the event should contact Leonie Greyling (leonie@sbti.co.za) on (011) 695 4800.
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SoftstartBTI is a real estate and networked technology incubator focused on the needs of early phase entrepreneurs in the ICT market. The incubator receives financial support from the Departments of Science and Technology, and Trade and Industry through the SEDA Technology Programme. SoftstartBTI supports hi-tech entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses by offering innovative products and services to the entrepreneurial community, backed by local and international partners and associates.
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