Empowering Entrepreneurs: Walter Sisulu University joins forces with six universities to launch groundbreaking Entrepreneurship Venture Builder

We are thrilled to announce that Walter Sisulu University has joined forces with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and six other universities to launch the Entrepreneurship Venture Builder (EVB), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Africa.

The EVB is committed to empowering entrepreneurs from Universities of Technology, Historically Disadvantaged Universities and marginalised communities. The programme will provide a comprehensive support system to guide participants in transforming innovative business ideas into successful businesses.

At a recent gathering of the founding members, Prof Michael Twum-Darko, the EVB Manager, said, “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to flourish in the African market.”

Key Features of the EVB include:

• Mentor-in-Residence Program:Expert mentorship from university staff specialising in technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Incubation and Acceleration:Support to navigate the journey from Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to commercialisation.
• Focus on Inclusion: Dedicated to empowering student entrepreneurs and individuals from historically marginalised communities.
• Regional Impact:Initially hosted at CPUT’s ‘Business Innovation and Incubation Centre’, the EVB will expand to a decentralised model across multiple universities.

The other founding members include the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology,  Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Central University of Technology. The EVB is funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) fund, a UK International Development initiative, and represents a significant step towards strengthening campus or community-based innovation and research-to-commercialisation systems across South Africa.