Celebrating Youth and Women’s Innovations at AU-EU Innovation Festival

by
1 min read
youth-led uprisings innovation

In June, South Africa honors the youth-led uprisings of 1976 in Soweto, highlighting the creativity and vigor of young people. This year, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) proudly supports the first-ever AU-EU Innovation Festival, a gathering that showcases economic opportunities for young people while recognizing their contributions to science, technology, and innovation.

Empowering Creativity

The three-day event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is a joint initiative of the European Union, African Union, and South Africa’s DSI. It aims to illustrate how innovation can create tangible products, services, businesses, and employment opportunities between Africa and Europe. The festival has a strong emphasis on youth and women-led initiatives, reflecting a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Activities and Exhibitions

The AU-EU Innovation Festival will feature a host of activities, including pitching sessions, exhibitions, and discussions centered around the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. Participants will learn from innovators and entrepreneurs from both continents, exchanging insights and perspectives on current and future challenges and opportunities.

Showcasing Innovation

Several innovative projects will be showcased during the festival, including an umbilical cord and placenta simulator that promises to revolutionize medical training. Another innovative initiative is Cropfix, a text-based chatbot that combines satellite data analytics with artificial intelligence to identify damaged plants. These promising initiatives exemplify the talent and ingenuity present in Africa and Europe’s young innovators and entrepreneurs.

ENRICH in Africa Centre Inauguration

The festival will also serve as a platform for the inauguration of the ENRICH in Africa Centre, located at Methys innovation hub in Century City, Cape Town. ENRICH in Africa is a collaborative project designed to bring together core stakeholders from Europe and Africa to support and strengthen their shared innovation ecosystem. By connecting incubators and accelerators across the two continents, the center aims to foster lasting collaborations and drive sustainable growth.

International Media Invitation

Members of the media are invited to attend the inauguration of the ENRICH in Africa Centre on June 14, 2023, to get further insight into the goals and ambitions of the collaborative project. ENRICH in Africa is poised to create a more interconnected and prosperous innovation landscape across Africa and Europe.

Power of International Collaboration

The AU-EU Innovation Festival is an excellent testament to the power of international cooperation in fostering innovation, especially when it comes to supporting and empowering the contributions of young people and women. With a focus on creating tangible results and promoting a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem, the festival is well-positioned to have a long-lasting impact on the future of science, technology, and innovation in Africa and Europe.

To attend the AU-EU Innovation Festival, please RSVP to Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690 or thabang.setlhare@dst.gov.za. For more information about the festival, visit the official website.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

science and innovation job opportunities
Previous Story

Science and Innovation: Investing in Job Opportunities and Renewable Energy

south africa cameroon
Next Story

Minister Naledi Pandor’s Visit to Cameroon

Latest from Blog

rugby south africa

A Gritty Display of Tenacity: South Africa’s Springboks Overpower New Zealand’s All Blacks

South Africa’s Springboks achieved an incredible win against New Zealand’s All Blacks in the Cape Town Rugby Championship Test match, with a score of 1812. The team showed their resilience and determination, staging a remarkable comeback after being behind 93 at halftime. The Springboks were led by Captain Siya Kolisi, whose early secondhalf try marked the turning point in the match. Despite encountering hurdles such as missed tackles and yellow cards, the Springboks’ unwavering spirit led them to an unforgettable triumph, securing their fourth consecutive defeat of the All Blacks.

south africa wildflowers

The Northern Cape: A Mosaic of Springtime Wildflowers

The Northern Cape in South Africa transforms into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers every year during August and September, attracting nature lovers and photography enthusiasts from all over. The Namaqua National Park is one of the best places to witness this display, but the region also offers other experiences such as wildlife spotting at the Goegap Nature Reserve, exploring the bulb capital of the world in Nieuwoudtville, and embarking on a rugged adventure at the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. Witnessing the bloom is more than just visual, it’s an immersive experience that captivates all your senses.

fish hoek peers family

A Glimpse into Cape Town’s History: Honoring the Peers Family Legacy

The Peers family, selftaught archaeologists, played a significant role in uncovering the ancient history of Fish Hoek through their exploration of Peers Cave. A pictorial lecture is set to honor the family’s legacy and focus on their influence beyond Fish Hoek, including their remarkably named houses. The lecture will be delivered by Margaret Gundry, who delves into the narratives behind the names of Fish Hoek’s homes, uncovering fascinating stories behind them. Gundry’s investigation into the Peers family led her to New Zealand, showcasing the intertwined nature of histories and the legacy of the Peers family beyond Fish Hoek.

education budget cuts teacher unions

A Crucial Turning Point: The Western Cape Government Appeals for Unity Amidst Education Budget Cuts

The budget cuts in education that could lead to over 2,000 teachers losing their jobs have caused controversy and opposition for the Western Cape government. Teacher unions have lodged disputes against the department, with the possibility of a strike looming. Additionally, there is debate over the effectiveness of the BackOnTrack program, which aims to offset learning losses due to the pandemic. The WCED is fighting for its teachers and quality education, urging unions to ally with them instead of opposing them.

fire season western cape

Unfolding Fire Season Threat in Western Cape: A Tale of Irony

The Western Cape is facing a potentially turbulent fire season due to excessive rainfall, which has led to an increase in vegetation. This surge in growth has created a significant fire hazard, which will be further intensified by predicted high temperatures and winds. In the previous year, over 9,500 fires ravaged more than 135,000 hectares of land, leading authorities to allocate significant funds to prepare for the inevitable fire season. The region is in the ironic situation of being endangered by its own natural beauty.