GRIT Hub and Nelson Mandela University George Showcase 2024 Winners, Open 2025 Technopreneurship Challenge

    • Published on: 15 April 2025
    • By: Marshall Grant
Nelson Mandela University George
Students at the Nelson Mandela University George2025 Technopreneurship Prize Giving Event

At the Garden Route Innovation and Technology Hub (GRIT Hub), we believe that real innovation happens when bold ideas meet real-world challenges and are backed by solid business models. That belief fuels our Innovative Ideas Competition, a launchpad for youth-led ventures that combine purpose with commercial potential.

Now in its second year, the competition is designed exclusively for students at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus and supports ventures that demonstrate innovation, impact, and a clear growth path. Whether tackling climate change, streamlining services, or reimagining the green economy, participants are encouraged to lead with their core business while leveraging technology as a tool to scale and serve.

The 2024 competition surfaced a promising cohort of student entrepreneurs. Two standout ventures from Nelson Mandela University, George, were awarded top honors, each receiving R10,000 in startup capital and entry into GRIT Hub’s incubation pipeline.

Meet the 2024 Winners

Matthew Coetzee
Matthew Coetzee founder of Aelea

AELEA
Founded by Matthew Coetzee
Track: Social, Agriculture, Forestry & Climate/Environmental Impact

AELEA is a sustainable transport venture that converts Diesel-powered vehicles into electric-powered alternatives. With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, founder Matthew Coetzee is offering a forward-thinking business that enables consumers to extend the lifespan of their vehicles while transitioning to greener solutions. AELEA isn’t just a technical project, it’s a business built for impact and scale, making it a standout example of technopreneurship in the climate sector.

Sandi Tyam
Sandi Tyam founder of Campus Concierge

Campus Concierge
Founded by Sandi Tyam
Track: Consumer Products & Services

Campus Concierge is a bespoke, on-demand service platform that connects clients with trusted individuals to manage errands, tasks, and pickups. Built for busy students and professionals, it’s a lifestyle service company using technology to coordinate operations and streamline convenience. Founded by Sandi Tyam, the venture offers a strong business foundation, with tech supporting, not replacing, the value proposition. Campus Concierge was awarded R10,000 and has joined GRIT Hub’s incubation pipeline to grow its business model further.

These ventures are strong examples of how technopreneurship isn’t about building an app, it’s about building a business that solves real problems, where technology is used to enable scale, efficiency, and sustainability. That same mindset is embedded in GRIT Hub’s upcoming Technopreneurship Skills Program, which prepares students to create businesses with both a commercial and social edge.

The 2025 Competition Is Now Open

We’re thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025 Innovative Ideas Competition are officially open to Nelson Mandela University George Campus students.

The competition is not a coding contest. It’s not about pitching an app. It’s about building businesses with clear market needs, viable value propositions, and technology used as an enabler. Finalists will receive:

  • Entry into GRIT Hub’s structured incubation program
  • Tailored mentorship and business development support
  • Exposure to our ecosystem of partners, mentors, and funders
  • Prizes for each of the category winners
  • The top 2 winners will receive a R10,000 cash prize

This year’s competition tracks include:

  • Social, Agriculture, Forestry & Climate/Environmental Impact
  • Consumer Products & Services
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Blockchain & Cryptocurrency

We’re looking for big-picture thinkers who see business as a vehicle for change, with technology as a driver, not the destination.

Apply Now

Applications are open until 31 August 2025. Finalists will present live pitches before a panel of expert judges, and winners will gain access to funding, incubation, and a supportive network to grow their ideas into sustainable ventures.

Learn more and apply at:
https://grithub.org.za/programs/incubation/competition

Let’s build the next generation of business leaders, rooted in purpose, powered by innovation, and grown right here on the Garden Route.