Nondumiso Nkosi is recognised for her groundbreaking work in improving access to healthcare diagnostics through her innovation, HepaSure Diagnostics. Her work addresses critical gaps in Hepatitis B testing by developing accessible, adaptable diagnostic tools for underserved communities, demonstrating excellence in research translation and impactful use of intellectual property.
2nd placce: Pakane Kekana
Pakane Kekana is empowering rural youth through agriculture-led initiatives that create employment opportunities while promoting sustainability and community development.
3rd Place: Aurelie Msiza
Aurelie Msiza developed SafeCase, a secure digital platform enabling survivors of gender-based
violence to safely store and preserve evidence, improving access to justice.
Thapelo Tlailana’s Tswelopele Green Exchange is a digital circular marketplace that transforms waste into economic opportunity. His solution connects multiple stakeholders to reduce landfill waste, support compliance, and drive inclusive green economic growth.
2nd Place: Peter Kgobudi
Peter Kgobudi is recognised for developing innovative digital solutions, including AI-driven
applications focused on improving access to healthcare and financial services.
3rd place: Makhosi Khoza
Makhosi Khoza’s innovation converts recycled polycarbonate waste into durable greenhouse
materials, enabling affordable agricultural infrastructure while addressing plastic pollution.
Kabelo Mahlobogwane is recognised for The Marking App Africa, an AI-powered platform that automates the marking of handwritten assessments. His solution improves efficiency in schools while addressing digital inequality in low-resource environments.
2nd place: Micaelyn Maharaj
Micaelyn Maharaj’s SB Card transforms traditional business cards into smart, digital networking
tools, enabling real-time data sharing, analytics, and improved business connectivity.
3rd place: Duduetsang Kau
Duduetsang Kau is redefining sustainable fashion through multi-functional clothing designs that
reduce waste while offering practical, innovative apparel solutions.
Sbusiso Manqa is recognised for SA Books Online, a digital platform that connects African authors to global audiences. His work addresses access, visibility, and fair economic participation within the publishing ecosystem.
2nd place: Lesego Sambo
Lesego Sambo is the founder of SquareShare.Club, a digital platform designed to help creators
collaborate, manage, and monetise their work. Through tools such as revenue splitting, IP protection,
and digital marketplaces, his innovation empowers creators to safeguard their rights while unlocking
new income opportunities.
3rd place: Mbangiso Mabaso
Mbangiso Mabaso is the creator of Supermalome, a gaming platform that transforms South African
cultural experiences into interactive digital content. Through immersive games inspired by local
heritage and storytelling, his work preserves and promotes indigenous intellectual property for
global audiences.
Sinawo Siqebengu developed a digital solution that helps detect counterfeit goods and manage product expiry in informal retail environments, improving consumer safety and strengthening trust in
township economies.
2nd place: Alex Mailola
Alex Mailola’s work focuses on strengthening intellectual property enforcement through community-driven tools while proposing sustainable alternatives to the destruction of seized counterfeit goods.
3rd place: Gift Nzube
Gift Nzube’s concept explores how confiscated counterfeit goods can be repurposed to create social and economic value while reducing environmental impact.
