The minister of science and technology Naledi Pandor has introduced the "NextGen100" initiative to help young innovators transform their innovative ideas into business ventures.
The minister made the announcement on Saturday at the launch of the National Science Week (NSW) 2016 at the University of Western Cape.
NextGen100, which is part of the NSW initiatives, was established by the Technology Innovation Agency to enable the progression of innovative ideas from proof-of-concept stage through to commercialisation, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Through the initiative, 100 talented young people at different educational levels will win an opportunity to be mentored and supported to establish technology-based companies focusing on developing new innovations.
Addressing over 3 000 learners from across the Western Cape, Pandor said innovation was central to the government endeavours to develop the country's economy.
She urged the next generation to mobilise themselves and work towards solving the country's problems through innovation and entrepreneurship.
"I am pleased to launch NextGen100, which will help the youth to start their businesses in the technology field. We need to harness the innovative spirit of young people in addressing our community development challenges."
"In the country, small and medium-size companies contribute 40% of our GDP and account for 60% of all employment. So this is where we should be focusing," noted Pandor.
She advised learners and members of public to visit the National Science Week sites countrywide until 13 August.
Western Cape premier Helen Zille, also addressed the audience, adding SA is involved in mega scientific projects like the construction of the Square Kilometre Array because it has the, "know how", and "research capacity".
The premier told learners they are growing up in an exciting time and they must make use of science and technology, as they are the next knowledge workers.
NSW is an annual week-long event aimed at celebrating the role that science, mathematics, engineering and technology play in everyday life and encouraging more young people to follow careers in these fields. It attracts thousands of learners to workshops, science shows and exhibitions at universities, schools and science centres countrywide, says the DST.
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