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The Innovation Hub's OpenIX calls for innovative mobile app, aerosol solutions

Pretoria, 06 Aug 2014

The Innovation Hub's OpenIX platform has launched two new challenges on behalf of a large South African fast moving consumer goods company (FMCG) and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID). Interested parties are encouraged to register and submit their responses online at www.openix.theinnovationhub.com before the respective closing dates.

A local FMCG company is looking for the 'aerosol of the future'. The challenge is to develop or supply an alternative solution for the dispensing of liquid in FMCG type products such as paints, cosmetics and insecticides, currently administered through aerosol delivery mechanisms, that significantly reduce costs in the final product. The product should target the lower LSM segment of emerging markets and must have completed the scientific research phases, with a predictable and stable short to medium-term development horizon, so as to enable market roll-out in the next two to three years. Entries will remain open until Tuesday, 9 September 2014.

For the second challenge, mobile app developers are called to propose an innovative mobile application that can increase uptake and efficiency of artisans using the existing e-Maintenance portal. The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) is offering this opportunity to mobile technology innovators to implement their solution in public health facilities in the province with the potential for procurement. Proposals should be from enterprises with appropriate capabilities, preferably small enterprises in Gauteng. Entries will remain open until Wednesday, 20 August 2014.

"The collaboration between The Innovation Hub and the two new challenge owners again demonstrates the important role that science and technology parks play in mediating interacting between government, industry and the broader innovation community, including universities, research institutions and innovative local entrepreneurs. By building these linkages we are able to contribute to the growth of established enterprises while creating new opportunities for technology start-ups and job creation to transform our economy. Ultimately, this positions Gauteng and South Africa for inclusive growth in an emerging knowledge economy," said McLean Sibanda, CEO of The Innovation Hub.

Innovation is integral to promoting efficiency and effectiveness in government service delivery and increasing firm competitiveness. Running a challenge provides a unique opportunity for organisations to accelerate their innovation process by innovating beyond their four walls. This view is echoed by Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, GM: R&D and Innovation at The Innovation Hub in noting: "OpenIX is a mechanism for efficiently engaging with a large, diverse community of potential solution providers. The solutions are typically late stage R&D or pre-commercial, offering clients an early-mover advantage. They are also sourced from adjacent sectors and more peripheral actors outside of the traditional supplier relationships, giving access to novel ideas and technologies."

Further information can be accessed from: http://openix.theinnovationhub.com/.

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OpenIX

OpenIX is a South African platform that delivers tangible solutions to real challenges posted by solution seekers in government and the private sector, and connects leading African researchers and entrepreneurs with new opportunities to commercialise their innovations.

The Innovation Hub

Africa's first accredited science and technology park, The Innovation Hub serves as catalyst for success through increased wealth of its community, by promoting a culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions. The Innovation Hub is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), which is the implementation arm of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (DED). It assists the DED in leading, facilitating and managing sustainable job creation and inclusive economic growth and development in the Gauteng City Region.

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Editorial contacts

Karen Smith
The Innovation Hub
(012) 844 0005
ksmith@theinnovationhub.com