Emerging Companies Insights Publication to be launched at SA Innovation Summit

How can entrepreneurs put South Africa’s economy on track for sustainable economic growth? Noteworthy surprises and key findings on the country’s entrepreneurial landscape will be discussed at the 2015 SA Innovation Summit where PwC, in collaboration with Microsoft BizSpark, the Silicon Cape Initiative, City of Tshwane and Wesgro, will officially launch the Emerging Companies Insights Publication. Innovation intelligence is the theme for this year’s Summit, which brings entrepreneurs, innovators, designers and technology enthusiasts together with incubation managers, angel investors, CEOs, CFOs, venture capitalists and product developers at Cape Town Stadium from 26 – 29 August 2015.

“Entrepreneurs can tip the scales in South Africa’s fight against economic inequality and economic prosperity,” says Maija de Rijk-Uys, responsible for the PwC Accelerator in South Africa and a speaker at the Summit. “Entrepreneurship is all about transforming ideas into economic opportunities and requires holistic support from all ecosystem stakeholders to thrive.” The survey provides insights into South Africa’s emerging company entrepreneurs, debunks some common myths, and delves into current hot topics including digitisation, internationalisation, enterprise development, the need for more women in business and the use of advisors.

The Summit offers workshops, panel discussions and lessons on intellectual property, private sector partnerships, secrets to faster growth, innovation incentives and social innovation as well as an inventor’s garage and pitching den that will pop with great ideas that make it.

Sponsored by First National Bank (FNB) the CEO panel will feature FNB Business CIO Peter Alkema, Director of Batsone and vice-chair of Silicone Cape Alexandra Fraser and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) CEO Barlow Manilal. Together they will discuss businesses’ role in influencing the innovation ecosystem and strategies to scale innovation as well as collaboration tips throughout Africa. “Innovation is both a disruptive force and a key driver of growth and scalability. Businesses can benefit by supporting entrepreneurs who have unique ways of doing business,” says Alkema.

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille will speak about creating an enabling environment for innovators and Trade and Industry Director of Innovation and Technology, Nontombi Marule will discuss the national strategy for technological commercialisation.

Equipped with tips for pitching success and how to take a product from idea to market, delegates will unlock their creative potential with a musical workshop, by Slaves to Rhythm’s Barry van Zyl, drummer for Johnny Clegg and Josh Hawks, bassist for Freshlyground.

For the first time ever, the SA Innovation Summit features a Market on the Edge on 28 and 29 August with attractions for the whole family to eat, shop and play. The Market on the Edge will showcase new gadgets, robotics and craft exhibitors with entertainment, food and drink stalls.

Sponsors of the SA Innovation Summit include SABS, City of Cape Town, FNB, PwC, TIA, IDC, GCIP and SAB Foundation.

For more information on the 2015 SA Innovation Summit, please visit http://www.innovationsummit.co.za/, email info@innovationsummit.co.za or call +27 (12) 844 0674.