DUT Launches Entrepreneurship Engagement Session to Foster Innovation and Industry Collaboration
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has initiated the inaugural Entrepreneurship and Innovation Inter-Faculty Competition, launched on February 17, 2026. This competition encourages students from the university’s six faculties to present innovative ideas and entrepreneurial solutions throughout the academic year.
Launch Event Overview
The launch event was part of an Entrepreneurship Engagement organized by the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Attendees included representatives from DUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) unit, Universities South Africa (USAf), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). These organizations play a significant role in advancing South Africa’s higher education entrepreneurship framework.
Engagement at DUT Indumiso Hall
The engagement occurred at DUT Indumiso Hall, providing a forum for discussions on incorporating entrepreneurship into academic curricula and recognizing innovation as a key driver of social and economic change. This initiative aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, which emphasizes the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Competition Announcement
A notable aspect of the event was the official announcement of the Inter-Faculty Competition, led by Innobiz DUT Centre Manager Ms. Ntokozo Ngcobo and Executive Deans. The competition aims to encourage a spirit of healthy competition among students while offering substantial support for entrepreneurial ventures.
Community of Stakeholders
The program gathered university leaders, global experts, government officials, academics, and student entrepreneurs to explore methods for institutionalizing entrepreneurship at higher education institutions and enhancing innovation ecosystems. This engagement seeks to cultivate graduates who are equipped to address future challenges and develop sustainable businesses.
Importance of Collaboration
Dr. Pinkie Ntola, interim director of DUT TTI, and Ms. Ngcobo commenced the event by emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating opportunities for students and enabling the transition from ideas to impactful actions. Dr. Ntola highlighted entrepreneurship’s essential role in generating societal benefits and DUT’s responsibility to nurture future job creators and innovators.
Integrating Entrepreneurial Thinking
Ms. Ntsiki Mkhize from Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) spoke about the necessity of integrating entrepreneurial thinking within the higher education framework, pointing out its potential to alleviate urgent socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment and food security.
Global Perspectives
On an international scale, Ms. Jaana Puukka, a global higher education and innovation strategist, addressed the creation of entrepreneurial universities that can balance global partnerships with local community engagement. Her insights focused on the need for policy alignment and fostering environments conducive to student entrepreneurship.
Panel Discussion Insights
A panel discussion provided a platform for examining the nexus of university research, student innovation, and government policy. Participating panelists included Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Professor Pfano Mashau from DUT Business School, and Ms. Mkhize.
Future Directions
The forward-looking session led by Professor Thomas Dobbelstein underscored the importance of understanding market demands to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, urging participants to prioritize collaborative and cross-disciplinary initiatives.
Commitment to Innovation
As DUT advances towards its ENVISION2030 objectives, such engagements reflect a commitment to cultivating innovative thinkers, empowering student entrepreneurs, and positioning the university as a significant contributor to the entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa and beyond.
(Source: DUT)
