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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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