Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, has emphasised the urgent need for South Africa to accelerate the commercialisation of university-based innovations, noting that while many prototypes are developed each year, few reach the market due to high costs.
Speaking at the 2nd BRICS Innovation Challenge held at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Campus, Gina highlighted that turning ideas into market-ready solutions can create jobs, drive inclusive growth, and position South Africa as a leader in the digital economy. The event brought together 70 young delegates from BRICS+ countries, under the theme “Strengthening Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship in BRICS+ through Student Innovation.”
To address the gap between prototypes and market-ready products, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has established the Innovation Fund and Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) in partnership with the UNDP, supporting innovators from ideation to commercialisation.
During the Challenge, seven start-ups pitched their innovations, with Inkulumo Connect winning R25 000 for its AI-powered real-time South African Sign Language translation platform, designed to bridge the communication gap for over 235,000 users. ProcureFair, a fraud-proof e-procurement solution, secured second place (R15 000), while Meta-Logistics, a blockchain-based talent verification platform, came third (R10 000).
Deputy Minister Gina also called for closer collaboration between universities, CSIR, and TIA to ensure promising innovations reach wider adoption. Professor Tankiso Moloi, UJ’s Executive Dean, stressed that innovation must be paired with leadership, ethics, and digital fluency to drive inclusive progress across BRICS+ nations.
The Challenge reinforces UJ’s position as a hub for youth innovation, strengthens South Africa’s BRICS ties, and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, offering a scalable platform for future editions across BRICS+ universities.
