Ecdc tia seed fund programme booklet nov 2015 by Rocky Heath

TIA-ECDC

INNOVATION

SEED FUND PROGRAMME

TIA-ECDC

01 INNOVATION SEED FUND 02 P RO G R A M M E 03

RENEWABLE ENERGY STREET LIGHTS

BUILT ENVIRONMENT APPLICATION

FREE CALLS APPLICATION

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

ABOUT THE FUND FOREWORD - TIA FOREWORD - ECDC

GREYWATER TREATMENT FILTER TOWER

SOLID WASTE REMOVAL & FILTRATION SYSTEM

ELECTRICITY VENDING APPLICATION

SOLAR WATER TECHNOLOGY

HEAT RAIDER TECHNOLOGY

WHEATGRASS JUICE

ELECTRICTY VENDING APPLICATION

HONEYBUSH TEA PRODUCER

BITU-BOX DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

BIO-FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

ABOUT ECDC Since its inception in 1997, ECDC has planned, financed, coordinated, marketed, promoted and implemented the development agenda of the Eastern Cape through the stimulation of industry, commerce, agriculture, transport and finance. Set on its goal of assuming a posture of a highperforming development financier, ECDC offers a range of financial and non-financial, investment and trade services in the following operational areas: Investment Promotion, Development Finance, Enterprise Development Support, Trade Promotion, Risk Capital and Property Management and Investment.

ABOUT TIA An amalgamation of seven Department of Science and Technology entities saw the establishment of TIA, and whose core objective is to support the development and commercialisation of competitive technology-based services and products. Committed to stimulating and intensifying innovation as means of improving economic growth and the quality of life for all, TIA uses a science and technology base to develop new industries, create sustainable jobs and diversify the economy. The agency proudly invests in technological sectors including: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, health, mining, energy and ICT.

About

THE FUND The Innovative Seed Fund Programme is a result of a memorandum of agreement (MOU) between development financier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

A Department of Science and Technology entity tasked with stimulating and intensifying technological innovation as an instrument of economic growth, TIA brings a wealth of technological acumen to the partnership with ECDC. Through the MOU, the partners are fostering an innovation ecosystem that harnesses innovative ideas into viable technologies that support the growth of the Eastern Cape economy. In the first window of application, a sum of R5.7 million was committed by the partners to fund 13 enterprises whose projects are at early stages of technology innovation.

THE FUNDING IS PROVIDED AS A GRANT WITH A MINIMUM INVESTMENT OF R50,000 AND UP TO A MAXIMUM OF R500,000 PER INNOVATION.

FUNDING IS CONSIDERED FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: • • • • • • • • • • •

Initial proof of concept Sourcing of intellectual property (IP) opinions and patent support Refining and implementing designs Certification activities Primary market research Incubation support Prototype development/improvement Production of market samples and/or testing Conducting field studies Piloting, scale-up and techno-economic evaluation Business plan development

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The programme is primarily geared to encourage the establishment and sustainable growth of innovation and knowledge-based companies in the Eastern Cape. Through access to finance for product development and business development support, it is envisaged that beneficiary companies will migrate from concept to commercial stage. Once these companies reach commercial stage, they should be well-positioned to make a positive contribution to the mainstream economy by way of employment creation, as well as domestic and foreign trade.

The following minimum criteria needs to be met in order to be considered for funding under this programme:

1 2 3 4

Registered entitites or in the process of registration Be an entrepreneur or SMME based in the Eastern Cape The technology or business must be at pre-revenue stage Applications that would not qualify for funding from banks or other funding agencies

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

An effective Regional Innovation System is important for enabling and driving the knowledge economy. As such, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) contributes to the dynamism of the innovation eco-system by facilitating the translation of our rich knowledge resource into sustainable socio-economic opportunities.

Such systems are highly dependent on effective partnerships, the coordination of innovative programmes, as well as the diffusion of relevant knowledge and technologies that address societal needs while improving the competitiveness of priority economic sectors. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) was identified by TIA as a key partner to provide an enabling and supportive environment in which technology innovation can flourish. With an understanding and an active role in promoting the Eastern Cape’s regional innovation systems the impact will, in the near future, be experienced through the growth and strengthening of the local economy. Consequently, TIA, together with ECDC implemented the ‘TIA Regional Seed Fund Programme’ whose goal is, among others, to fund entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and technologies in order to advance these into commercial and developmental solutions. These entrepreneurs are able to graduate their projects by prototyping and validating the technical and commercial assumptions. 2

This is aimed at attracting additional funding to take them further and/or to turn them into sustainable commercial products, processes and services that serve the market. The Seed Fund partnership between TIA and ECDC has registered some significant achievements and continues to expand on its initial intention. To date, a total of 14 projects were approved with the total investment amounting to R 6 197 764. The projects are on-going and TIA wishes all the successful applicants the best of luck in executing their projects; and further extends its gratitude to the ECDC Seed Fund Steering Committee for its commitment in making the programme a success.

Barlow Manilal TIA Chief Executive Officer

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

Through its continuous research on ways to develop Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) identified a significant gap in the funding of entrepreneurs who want to develop their ideas into bankable business plans.

Due to the risk aversion by most financiers, little strides have been made with regards to innovation in the country, which results in restricted development and growth of new businesses. In the Eastern Cape particularly, most SMMEs are concentrated in a few sectors, which leads to rigid competition and limited opportunity for growth and sustainability. When ECDC and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) came together in 2012, the parties agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly identify near-market, pipeline and high impact projects that may benefit the province in diversifying the industrial sector for more job opportunities. Providing joint funding, which subject to the agreed modalities, ECDC and TIA further agreed to cooperate in the provision of business support as well as advisory services to technology-based start-up companies. Realising that these goals would be unfeasible without allocating the requisite financial resources, in 2014 the two parties set aside

a seed funding budget in support of locally based technology innovations. This strategic move marked the beginning of a new dawn for several aspirant entrepreneurs in the province. Through this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joint technology innovation seed fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the province is able to generate a pipeline of bankable projects that are eligible for funding by most financiers. The first 14 projects that were funded from the first call demonstrated a significant potential in the province, encouraging both parties expectations towards subsequent phases. ECDC and TIA would like to put out a challenge to public and private sector players to join forces towards the development of local entrepreneurs.

Ndzondelelo Dlulane ECDC Acting Chief Executive Officer

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

A M A H L AT H I E C O T E C H N O L O G I E S ( I K U S A S A E C O M O U L D I N G )

“Through the ECDC-TIA grant funding we were able to develop a business plan, develop marketing material, travel to meet potential clients, produce prototypes and sustain seven jobs.”

LOCATION

EAST LONDON INNOVATION

HEAT RAIDER FUNDING USE

BUSINESS PLAN, PROTOTYPING, MARKETING MATERIAL, JOB CREATION & TRAVEL

HEAT RAIDER

Technology

Inspired to recycle wasted heat generated from a refrigeration/air conditioning system, Amahlathi Eco Tech (AET) founders, Tamsanqa Gxowa, Michael Römer and Sandiswa Qayi teamed up in 2012 to invent the ‘Heat Raider’. The invention captures wasted heat and feeds it into a geyser, rendering your geyser off the grid. Not only does it save electricity, but it makes the refrigeration system more efficient. As a result, the system is able to generate free hot water at 50-55 degrees celsius. “The passion to find innovative and economical renewable energy solutions that can bear the African climate and socio-economic conditions encouraged us to pursue research into this area. We focused our attention mainly on the retail industry and restaurants where cold storage is a necessity. After finding a solution that can endure these conditions, we then had to test imported plate heat exchangers. This proved to be costly and non-durable. However, we were inspired to design a prototype that would reuse the wasted heat, deal with South Africa’s water conditions and further pasteurise the water,” says Tamsanqa. The Hear Raider received a further boost through the Innovation Seed Fund Programme which approved an investment of R500,000 for the project. The trio has also successfully produced three prototypes since beginning the project, and has set its sights on going commercial by the end of 2015. “Through the ECDC-TIA grant funding we were able to develop a business plan, develop marketing material, travel to meet potential clients, produce prototypes and sustain seven jobs. In addition, the success of these prototypes has since attracted interest from potential clients in Bulgaria during a trip to Germany at the Hannover Fair, with whom we are currently holding discussions,” Sandiswa explains.

GREEN ECONOMY

R500 000 INVESTED

Backed by 20 years’ cumulative experience in areas such as manufacturing, business management, project management amongst others, the trio has incorporated research and development of three other products to its services. The products are: the heat sock/hot spot (which enhances efficiency of a regular geyser), Luvre which is an energy regulator lever (regulates heat on solar geysers), and a household heat pump. “We have secured manufacturing factory space at the East London Industrial Development Zone and we intend to set up our factory and fully commercialise our products. We further intend to create 50 permanent jobs and invest in skills development; with emphasis on semi-skilled youth and women,” adds Sandiswa.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

S U N R A I D E R

“The solar hot water system is a proudly South African solar hot water unit that can contribute significantly towards job creation, energy saving and the use of affordable clean energy.”

LOCATION

EAST LONDON INNOVATION

E N E R G Y

SOLAR WATER

Technology

What started out as a prototype developed using components from a hardware store, has developed over the last 20 years into a sophisticated solar hot water unit with a potential to create more than 100 jobs at commercialisation. Twenty five years of experimenting with solar hot water panels encouraged ecoengineer and environmentalist, Neil Schentke, to pursue a dream to create inexpensive solar water heater panels. The idea drives the mass production of panels that ensure sustainable green energy for all. After establishing Sunraider Energy (Pty) Ltd, Neil based his invention on seven moulded components encased within a solar collector, fluid container and an insulating medium.

SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM

“The solar hot water (SHW) system is a proudly South African solar hot water unit that can contribute significantly towards job creation, energy saving and the use of affordable clean energy.

FUNDING USE

“The idea is to encourage the participation of unskilled, semi-skilled and disabled persons in the assembly of the product. The modular unit has been designed for handson assembly, promoting green energy jobs,” Neil says.

SOLAR THERMAL DESIGN & PRODUCT RESEARCH

Through the Innovative Seed Fund programme, Sunraider received an investment of R120,000 for solar thermal design and product research. Committed to ensuring the product is extremely user-friendly, Neil has designed a closed flat plate solar thermal collector and geyser (circulates water through thermos syphon), batch collector (solar panel and geyser all in one) and heat exchanger (used under freeze pressure and high pressure conditions) to date.

GREEN ECONOMY

R120 000 INVESTED

“After investing so much into the product over the years, TIA and ECDC have really been a great help in providing support to ensure the product sees the light of day. At the core of the business will always be promoting green energy and providing an affordable and innovative solution to the energy challenges we face,” Neil explains. Schentke, a qualified electronics technician by trade, single-handedly ran tests on his first modular system prototype over a period of 20 years and finally discovered the answer to cheaper solar panels that can heat household hot water geysers. Furthermore, Sunraider is in the process of designing a solar dehydrating waterless toilet and an affordable wind generator - all based on the modular concept.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

T W E R L Y

A R500,000 investment from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme has now resulted in the production of the third generation renewable energy street lights.

LOCATION

EAST LONDON INNOVATION

TWERLY STREET LIGHTS FUNDING USE

PRODUCTION OF THE THIRD GENERATION RENEWABLE ENERGY STREET LIGHTS

S T R E E T

L I G H T S

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Street Lights

A six-member team of researchers from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Renewable Energy Research Group invented the first generation renewable energy street light in 2007. The off-grid dual wind and solar-powered lighting street system promised to offer substantial electricity and cost savings to both rural and urban areas. Led by engineering professor Dr Russel Phillips, the group sought to create an innovative renewable energy harvesting device that would best service community needs. This resulted in the establishment of Twerly Street Lights (Pty) Ltd based in King William’s Town, which is solely dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable street lighting with value-added community services. A R500,000 investment from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme has now resulted in the production of the third generation renewable energy street lights. “Generation three will offer a reduction in generator costs as we had previously imported the generator. It also offers more refined electronics as compared to its previous predecessors,” says Russel. The new model, fully-fitted with a global system for mobile communication (GSM), global positioning system (GPS) and a Wi-Fi sim, will be pivoted away from the regular street light to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Twerly Street Lights chief executive officer Nikolas Jankovich explains that the Twerly is run by a London-based database management solution dashboard that “allows us to constantly get feedback from each installed streetlight.” “Each street light is fully-fitted with a security camera, and with the improved version we are exploring the possibility of installing an infrared surveillance camera with a wider radius.

GREEN ECONOMY

R500 000 INVESTED

“A total of 155 million streetlights are needed world-wide by 2016 out of which 15 million are proposed to be renewable energy streetlights. This global drive therefore provides us with a captive market particularly with green villages which are becoming very popular, not only in Africa but worldwide as well as smart cities which aim to use digital technologies to enhance services and bring connectivity to the people.” With 30 existing jobs, the company is currently exploring potential expansion to the international market and intends to create an estimated additional 200 jobs at full scale.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

L U G A J U T E C H N O L O G Y I N N O VAT I O N S

The revolutionary invention, which purifies greywater in rural areas and informal settlements one droplet at a time, is being piloted on five sites around Grahamstown.

LOCATION

GRAHAMSTOWN INNOVATION

GREYWATER

TREATMENT FILTER TOWER

FUNDING USE

CONDUCT RESEARCH, PURCHASE MATERIALS, SET UP SYSTEMS & CONDUCT TESTS

GREYWATER TREATMENT Filter Technology A case study in a research project for a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Biotechnology at Rhodes University in 2006 has developed into a transformative filtration system known as Lugaju Greywater Treatment Filter Tower (LTFT). Created out of filter layers comprising flyash, water hyacinth, coarse sand, as well as fine and coarse gravel; the device provides alternative water supplies for non-potable purposes while eliminating health threats posed by inappropriate greywater treatment. “The idea to create a robust system out of locally-available, low-cost and easy-touse material came after the realisation that greywater accounts for 70% of domestic water waste in South Africa which largely consists of detergent liquids and bath soaps. Its reuse without treatment in rural and densely populated communities is an alarming practice. “Greywater can be treated through a series of natural filter layers, including flyash, water hyacinth, coarse sand, fine and coarse gravel. In this process, each filter is responsible for the removal of suspended solids whilst sterilising bacteria and normalising the water’s pH levels,” explains Lugaju founder Dr Bongumusa Zuma. With the assistance of the Innovation Seed Fund Programme’s cash injection of R460, 000, Dr Zuma was able to conduct research, purchase materials, set up systems and pay salaries. “The fund provides an opportunity in which our ideas can be translated into projects without directly linking ourselves to academic institutions,” Dr Zuma explains.

GREEN ECONOMY

R460 000 INVESTED

The Innovation Hub recently inducted LTFT into its innovation programme which will provide assistance in fast tracking the technology to reach its commercialisation phase. The revolutionary invention, which purifies greywater in rural areas and informal settlements one droplet at a time, is being piloted on five sites around Grahamstown. Additionally, the LTFT has created five employment opportunities and provided funding for one Master of Science Degree student at Rhodes University. “Future plans are to upscale the project to 100 households and investigate its performance under different environments whilst working towards introducing the technology to the market in 2017,” says Dr Zuma.”

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

C O A S T A L

“I was inspired to develop a solution that would produce clean water in an environmentallyfriendly manner while offering sustainable growth and progressive agriculture.” LOCATION

EAST LONDON INNOVATION

SOLID WASTE REMOVAL & FILTRATION SYSTEM FUNDING USE

PRODUCT REDESIGN & TESTING

I N N O V A T I O N S

SOLID WASTE REMOVAL & Filtration System A journey that started in 2007 when Marcello Florus and his team began experimenting with fiberglass in hydroponics and mariculture, has culminated in the development of a closed loop system suitable for commercial and homestead aquaponics as well as possible municipal solid treatment facilities. The system is designed to remove suspended solid waste while circulating a body of water to plant beds through a dual drainage system which runs on solar power or gravity when installed on a hillside. The valve powering the system works on centrifugal force (an outward force apparent in a rotating reference frame) and gravity which enables it to effectively purge dirt and sludge from ponds. “I was inspired to develop a solution that would produce clean water in an environmentally-friendly manner while offering sustainable growth and progressive agriculture. This has since formed part of our core foundation as a company,” says Marcello who now heads East London-based Coastal Innovations (Pty) Ltd. Marcello says the company initially targeted fish farms to offer waste removal and circulation. However, this has since changed as Coastal Innovations now targets a broader market; tapping into commercial aquaponics and municipalities for its solid waste treatment system as a plug-in service. Marcello says the system’s first official prototype was powered by a wind turbine and four solar power panels. “Through the funding received from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme, we have been able to redesign a more economical system,” Marcello says.

GREEN ECONOMY

R480 000 INVESTED

In partnership with ECDC, East London IDZ Science and Technology Park, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Master Artisans Academy, the company will run further tests on the system’s functionality. “Moving forward, we intend to create commercial as well as homestead aquaponic grow-out systems and locally modularise the cycle for turnkey systems. This would mean handing over a unit to any individual after which, that individual would be able to grow food in a closed loop, which is environmentally-friendly with the reward being sustainable healthy nutrition,” explains Marcello.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

L A M B E R T U S

“After carving a niche market in the sector I came to learn of wheatgrass’ health benefits in 2014 which led to extensive research about the plant.”

LOCATION

EAST LONDON INNOVATION

WHEATGRASS JUICE FUNDING USE

SAMPLE PRODUCTION

H E C H T E R

WHEATGRASS

Juice

Driven by an enduring passion for developing ideas and turning them into workable solutions, has led the inquisitive Bertie Hechter to explore the production of wheatgrass juice after discovering the rich minerals in it. With a R378,000 investment from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme, the owner of Sprouts 4U in East London was able to conduct market research, develop the formula, and conduct field testing, patent registration and production of market samples for wheatgrass-based juice. “After carving a niche market in the sector through the sale of sprouts to local supermarkets, restaurants and hotels, I came to learn of wheatgrass’ health benefits in 2014 which led to extensive research about the plant. “Through the help of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Hegewisch Food and Wine Consultants, our first samples of the product will be tested. The tests include the assessment of product preservation, developing the right formula as well as market testing,” Bertie explains.

AGRO-PROCESSING: FOOD & BEVERAGES

R378 000 INVESTED

In addition, commercial food-testing laboratory, Swift Silliker (Pty) Ltd, will assist with conducting the final lab analysis of the product on conclusion of all three initial tests. On full commercialisation, the juice will be made available in three flavours - ginger, baobab and aniseed/liquorice. An adventurer and explorer at heart, Bertie has led a 30-year professional journey which has seen him occupy varying roles including businessman, farmer and IT specialist. This includes both intensive and extensive agricultural management. Its production will target mainly retailers and health shops. Moreover, Bertie intends to create 20 to 30 jobs targeting mainly women and people with disabilities.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

H E I G H T S T E A E NT E R P R I S E S

A funding injection of R450,000 from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme enabled the project team to conduct research and develop a microwave technology that would sterilise tea.

LOCATION

JOUBERTINA INNOVATION

HONEYBUSH TEA FUNDING USE

CONDUCT RESEARCH & DEVELOP A MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY

HONEYBUSH

Tea Production

A funding injection of R450,000 from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme enabled the project team to conduct research and develop a microwave technology that would sterilise tea instead of the traditional steaming method. “With the use of microwave technology, the organic flavours of the honeybush tea are not jeopardised which is the case during steam sterilisation. Also of significance is that the apparatus completes sterilisation in five to seven days, while it would normally take two full weeks to sterilise the processed tea using steam,” explains founder of Honeybush Tea Enterprises George Ferreira. “With positive test results, we can now gear towards increasing our production volumes over a shorter period,” George adds. Operating from the 420-hectare Langkloof Farm in Joubertina in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Heights Tea Enterprises is one of the few local honeybush tea producers taking advantage of the growing herbal tea business. With no existing competition from other countries, the honeybush tea industry has the potential to position itself as a major organic and specialty health product. “We were inspired by an article on a South African company exporting tea to Japan and we thought this is worth a try as an alternative to farming livestock and fruit. Almost 18 years after receiving our first order from Germany, we have never looked back,” says George.

AGRO-PROCESSING: FOOD & BEVERAGES

R450 000 INVESTED

The tea produced by Honeybush Tea Enterprises has no added preservatives making it a strong contender to be recognised by international tea connoisseurs. George has been able to customise their machines to suit their production needs, making a positive difference to the tea’s taste. The company employs six staff members and it is currently exporting to Canada, North America as well as Europe with plans to expand to the tea powerhouse of Asia. “We are continually developing our processes to ensure that our tea is of prime quality,” ends George.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

COMPUTER

“Basing our application on the USSD platform means that the application is not limited to smart phones but is accessible to any type of cell phone.”

SKILLS

INITIATIVE

ELECTRICITY VENDING Application Standing in queues to purchase prepaid electricity will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to Sabelo Mali’s Airlectricity, a mobile application which converts airtime into prepaid electricity, providing relief for many consumers - especially those in townships and rural areas.

LOCATION

PORT ELIZABETH INNOVATION

AIRLECTRICITY (PREPAID ELECTRICITY)

FUNDING USE

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT, TESTING & MARKETING

With the Innovation Seed Fund Programme investment of R500,000, Sabelo developed the application and further covered a portion of the company’s operational costs including marketing. The application operates using the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). “Basing our application on the USSD platform means that the application is not limited to smart phones but is accessible to any type of cell phone. The application therefore allows all consumers with a cell phone to convert airtime to prepaid electricity anytime and once the prepaid electricity is purchased, the user receives an SMS with the prepaid electricity voucher number. “As I researched about the application, I came across other prepaid electricity applications such as My Prepaid, Prepaid24 and Mobile Power which require a positive bank balance before users can purchase prepaid electricity. I then realised a need to develop an application that can work without a positive bank balance as many people in the townships and villages do not always have money in their bank accounts or may not even have active accounts,” Sabelo explains. The application has since been finalised and Sabelo is currently in talks with several municipalities, electricity distributors and network operators.

ICT

Sabelo has come a long way since joining the Shuttleworth Foundation in 2005. The foundation shaped Sabelo’s technological expertise, getting him involved in computer hardware, technical support and training of educators throughout disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape.

R500 000

Computer Skills Initiatives, which was registered in 2007, also trains educators and students on computer fundamentals and offers installation services. Sabelo was also announced winner of the South African Breweries Kick Start business plan competition in 2008 and Social Business Plan in 2010.

INVESTED

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

P H A T H O S T

W E B

“The application works as a project planner, financial, operations and quality manager. Its key advantage is how it provides astute management of several processes on one platform.” LOCATION

PORT ELIZABETH INNOVATION

APEX PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS APPLICATION)

FUNDING USE

IT HARDWARE & SOFTWARE PURCHASING, TESTING & CODING COSTS

H O S T I N G

D A T A

S T O R A G E

BUILT

ENVIRONMENT

Application

Hopes for something that can turn productivity to actual progress have become a reality through the development of Apex Professional Practice, a desktop application which features a suite of business management systems including project planning, financial management, production and designing business operations as well as quality control. “The application works as a project planner, financial, operations and quality manager. Its key advantage is how it provides astute management of several processes on one platform, empowering business owners in the management and monitoring of a range of business processes from one central platform,” says intuitive engineer, Maynard Gesha. A R500,000 Innovation Seed Fund Programme injection assisted Maynard with purchasing IT hardware and software as the backbone of development and testing. The funds have also defrayed a portion of the coding costs. “The application is based on industry best practice for architecture and engineering companies as they need to work within standard guidelines to ensure that their products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. The application forms part of the framework that enforces compliance,” Maynard adds. Additionally, an on-the-job training approach has been designed into the application, allowing users to train themselves on how to complete commercial professional projects. “Interactions with our partners and professionals in the environment, Consult Three Architects, helped define the need for an application which can assist in the daily operational elements of any business. For instance, architecture and engineering companies continue to neglect certain aspects of management and tend to focus more on their core business.

ICT

R500 000 INVESTED

Backed by a stint in information technology, Maynard started Phathost Web Hosting and Data Storage in 2007 following the establishment of MGM Consulting Engineers in 2003. The application will undergo several tests before it can be released for public use. Maynard also says the application will be deployed on the web and further offer integration with main stream accounting solutions.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

UMOYAIR

“UmoyAir, an application that allows for one minute free talk time, subject to a ten-second advert before the call and airtime sponsored by advertisers.”

LOCATION

PORT ELIZABETH INNOVATION

UMOYAIR (FREE CALLS MOBILE APPLICATION)

FUNDING USE

IOS AND WINDOWS INTEGRATION, DEVELOP NEW FEATURES & WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNICATIONS

FREE CALLS Marketing Application

Peeved by receiving ‘please call me’ texts with a featured advert, Khaya Cokoto and Sapho Maqwazima developed a mobile application accessible on Blackberry and Android devices that allows users to make free calls called UmoyAir. Sapho explains that the application is accessible without a subscription fee and allows users to make the calls without any data or airtime. “Users have the choice to select which advert they want to hear on each call; which protects them from being exposed to products and brands that do not interest them,” he explains. In an effort to satisfy their curiosity on whether people responded to the adverts and after securing empirical data validating that users did read adverts on ‘please call me’ texts, the duo first probed at the possibilities of making a free call at the advertiser’s expense. This was further supported by extensive research on the reception of these adverts and its cost-effectiveness. “UmoyAir, an application that allows for one minute free talk time, subject to a ten- second advert before the call and airtime sponsored by advertisers who use the platform to reach potential customers was the end product,” Khaya adds. The duo received R500,000 funding from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme which will assist with integrating the application with cell phones operating on the IOS and Windows platforms. The funding will also be used to develop new features and build a website. “We have enjoyed support from ECDC since 2010 and the development financier further assisted us with compiling a concept for the application and development of a feasibility study which enabled us to patent the idea,” Khaya explains.

ICT

R500 000 INVESTED

After winning the SAB Kick Start competition in 2008, the duo traded as Xpark, offering project management, ICT and graphic design services. It was during this period they began pursuing their next big conquest. The application won the coveted Accenture Innovation Index Award in 2013, while Khaya was named the overall winner of the Technology for Women in Business 2014. Umoyair plans to compete on the international stage as well as launching a reward system for users to receive some sort of incentive for using the application.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

U V I M B A F I N A N C I A L G R O U P

“Through the Innovation Seed Fund Programme, not only were we provided with funding but continued assurance of professional guidance throughout the project.”

LOCATION

PORT ELIZABETH INNOVATION

UGESI

(PREPAID ELECTRICITY APPLICATION)

FUNDING USE

RESEARCH, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & COMMERCIALISATION

ELECTRICITY VENDING Application A mobile application that converts airtime, data or bank balance into prepaid electricity, Ugesi promises to save consumers from long queues and the schlep of having to go to the shopping outlets. An inventive idea designed by Ngawethu Maduka and Anele Popose of solar power installation provider and consultancy, Uvimba Energies and Securities, Ugesi (meaning ‘electricity’ in Zulu), communicates directly with the prepaid electricity meter and automatically uploads the amount of electricity purchased. Ngawethu says: “The birth of Ugesi came about when we noticed people in our neighbourhood buy electricity at the same time, resulting in long, time-consuming queues at local shops.” Not only does the application allow users to convert mobile data to electricity which no other application is currently capable of, but it also allows users to add a beneficiary, making it possible for one to purchase electricity for more than one household,” Anele adds. The Innovation Seed Fund Programme invested R500,000 to assist in the application’s research and development as well as convening a professional team to drive their invention towards commercialisation.

ICT

R500 000 INVESTED

“We had approached several development agencies and research institutions with our idea, but none could meet our needs. However, through the Innovation Seed Fund Programme, not only were we provided with funding but continued assurance of professional guidance throughout the project,” Anele explains. The Ugesi’s development and testing is currently underway to ensure it adheres to required quality standards before the application reaches commercial stage.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

Boasting international approval through the Lloyds Register of London, CSR Africa is the only SA company manufacturing bulk storage bitumen containers for transportation on sea, rail and road.

BULK STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION

of Bitumen Containers

Emerging industrial manufacturer, CSR Africa, has carved a niche market with its bitumen containers suitable for transportation, storage and preservation of bitumen in its final form. The containers, called the Bitu-box, are mainly geared towards road construction companies which store bulk bitumen over long periods during road construction projects.

LOCATION

“Our environmentally-friendly Bitu-Box does not release any toxic emissions during smelting, and therefore makes a positive contribution to reducing our carbon footprint,” says CSR Africa founder, Ismail Hassen.

INNOVATION

For the Bitu-Box, CSR Africa removed the corrugated floor and replaced it with a flat surface that gets more bonding product out of the bitumen. The Bitu-Box has a registered patent and the design won the DSTV [Channel 154] National Technology Innovation Award within the manufacturing and mining sector in 2013.

(BULK STORAGE BITUMEN CONTAINERS)

Boasting international approval through the Lloyds Register of London, CSR Africa is the only South African company manufacturing bulk storage bitumen containers aptly called the Bitu-Box, for transportation on sea, rail and road.

UITENHAGE BITU-BOX FUNDING USE MANUFACTURING

CSR Africa received funding amounting to R500,000 from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme. “This enabled us to refine the Bitu-Box design and also used some of the funding for manufacturing as we are ready for commercialisation,” Ismail says. Having envisioned opening the first black-owned special purpose intermodal manufacturing facility in the country, Ismail has penetrated the international stage after he was selected by TIA to be part of the 2015 SWISS SA venture leadership team to represent South Africa in Switzerland.

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

R500 000 INVESTED

The MBA graduate from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University also won several awards including SA SMME of the Year awarded by the Africa Growth Institute in June. In May, he was also crowned winner of the Transnet/SABS Moving Ideas 2015 competition. He has made a mark on South Africa’s reality TV having won DSTV’s Dragons Den on Channel 161 in 2014, and named winner of SABC 1’s Rise Mzanzi in 2013. Over the past four years, CSR Africa has employed over 15 workers who have also received training on either welding, fitting and turning, boiler making, or repairs and refurbishments. “Up to 20 more jobs will be created once we secure expansion finance amounting to R3 million which we require for full production,” Ismail ends.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

D “Potential applications include seawater desalinisation, manufacturing of liquid organic fertiliser concentrates; as well as the manufacturing of organic antioxidants for health purposes and efficient fermentation of wine and other fruit juice concentrates.”

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PORT ELIZABETH INNOVATION

BIO-FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDING USE

PRODUCT DESIGN & PROGRAMMING

BIO-FERMENTATION

Technology

After spending over 25 years as a business consultant in the SME, mining and manufacturing sectors, in 2005 Dr David Fourie was inspired to develop a biofermentation technology device that will improve technology-related efficiencies for manufacturers across South Africa. Extensive research and dedication over the 10-year period saw the invention of the bio-fermentation technology reactor, which is currently in the testing processes of its third version. David explains that the reactor is designed to replicate the effectiveness of biological fermentation, in particular the process nature employs to build up resources like plants, coal and oil. “The whole bio-fermentation technology system can be viewed as a type of catalytic converter. Its uniqueness is in its functions, as it is reliant only on cold, suction and radial-axial motion while all existing technology rely on heat, pressure, and axialradial motion. “The process can also be applied to a wide variety of uses, each more cost-effective and efficient than its existing counterpart. Its potential applications include seawater desalinisation, manufacturing of liquid organic fertiliser concentrates; as well as the manufacturing of organic anti-oxidants for health purposes and efficient fermentation of wine and other fruit juice concentrates,” he says. Through the R309,000 investment from the Innovation Seed Fund Programme, David was able to design and build a device to prove that the biological process of fermentation can be sped up and intensified mechanically and catalytically. “I always try to stay informed about support available to entrepreneurs and the ECDC-TIA funding call was well publicised. Moreover, with the approval of my grant application, ECDC also provided me with a space to test the device. Unlike other technologies, the bio-fermentation reactor’s waste products will promote and sustain plant growth, clean water and clean air through its 100% organic approach. Moreover, the mechanism is more efficient and affordable.

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

R309 000 INVESTED

“The environmentally-friendly process copies and strengthens nature. In other words, it not only limits the damage, but it further aims to actively reverse and repair the damage without the need for harmful by-products,” David adds. Currently at the proof of concept stage, the device will be electronically programmed to allow for controlled empirical testing that will determine which product and target market will form the subject of the commercial product development.

TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME

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TIA-ECDC INNOVATION SEED FUND PROGRAMME