Unisa’s Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, in partnership with the Public Diplomacy Section of the Embassy of the United States of America, hosted a high-level roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening women-led innovation in South Africa.
Held on February 17, 2026, at the Unisa Sunnyside Campus, the event focused on the critical intersection of technology transfer and startup incubation, bringing together industry leaders to discuss practical pathways for growth.
Fostering a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Professor Raphael Mpofu, CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub, opened the discussion by outlining the Hub’s mission to drive African innovation by equipping entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.
“In addition to the programmes, we try to provide an environment that offers mentorship, support, and coaching. Where possible, we create a pathway for our participants to try and get funding for their startups.” — Prof Mpofu.
Connecting Global and Local Expertise
The event featured delegates from the TechWomen Programme, a US Department of State initiative designed to empower women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through mentorship and exchange.
John Goshert, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, praised the initiative for fostering professional capacity and connecting emerging leaders with established networks.
Key Insights for Innovation Leaders
Keynote speakers provided actionable strategies for local women entrepreneurs:
- Broadening Innovation: Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub at UC Berkeley, urged South African innovators to expand their definition of innovation to include interdisciplinary approaches and creative fields, focusing on impact.
- Funding and Pitching: Finlayson emphasized the need for women to master proposal writing, demonstrating economic impact, and telling compelling stories to secure funding.
- Adopting AI: TechWomen expert Aisuluu Kozhomkulova highlighted the rise of Physical, Spatial, and Agentic AI, urging South Africa to integrate AI into education systems and homes to remain competitive globally.
The event highlighted a clear path forward: combining robust local support systems with global expertise to position South African women as leaders in the tech sector.
