In a groundbreaking event, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was prominently featured at the prestigious 2025 Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, held for the first time on African soil. The competition took place at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel in Durban on October 30 and 31, with a central focus on “Advancing Sustainable Urban Development.” The competition showcased exceptional talent from around the globe, and DUT emerged as a standout institution with two of its students recognized among the top young innovators. Fashion Design student Tiffany Mokoteli brought home the Silver Award, while Doctoral Architecture student Hlengiwe Ngubane secured the Bronze Award in the Start-Up Teams category. Both Mokoteli and Ngubane are part of the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which fosters student startups and incubates initiatives designed to create a positive social and environmental impact. Mokoteli’s innovative submission involved a sustainable fashion concept featuring a nano-silica fabric finishing technique. This technology not only reduces stains and absorbs bacteria but also extends the lifespan of textiles. Currently in the prototype phase, her project was inspired by her passion for blending creativity with scientific principles. Receiving international recognition for my idea is truly an honor, said Mokoteli. It required significant preparation and mentorship, but this achievement demonstrates that South African innovations can make a mark globally. I aspire to see my product produced locally, starting with sportswear and eventually expanding to various textile applications. Ngubane, on the other hand, introduced Project X, a sophisticated digital construction management platform aimed at revolutionizing the building industry. Her system incorporates real-time site monitoring, material tracking, and AI-driven risk alerts—elements Ngubane believes are essential for transforming construction management practices across the continent. This project pushed me to adopt a business mindset rather than just an academic perspective, Ngubane explained. The Innobiz Centre provided invaluable mentorship and assistance in refining our ideas for practical implementation. The event attracted participation from 28 universities across 23 countries, all competing for top honors in innovation and sustainability. Innobiz DUT manager Nontokozo Ngcobo expressed pride in the students’ achievements, noting, Winning this competition is a significant milestone for our university. It was a great moment to witness our students not only compete on a global stage but also emerge victorious. Their success serves as an inspiration for other aspiring young entrepreneurs in our incubation program.” Sithembiso Msomi, a DUT academic and judge for the competition, shared insights into the evaluation process, which assessed entries based on criteria such as innovation, viability, confidence, and social impact.
