On 27 October 2026, the Garden Route Innovation & Technology Hub (GRIT Hub) welcomed the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the African Institute for Entrepreneurship (AIfE), industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and local businesses for the 2026/2027 Tech Talk Series: Timber and Agri Tech, hosted at our George facility.

The event, themed Demystifying Technology and Upskilling Business, brought together voices from agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, academia, and government to explore how emerging technologies can improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and create new opportunities for businesses across the Garden Route.

Discussions focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, and digital tools, highlighting how businesses of all sizes can adopt technology to address everyday challenges.

The programme featured a keynote address by Michael du Plessis, founder of Grow Green Organics, alongside a panel of local industry professionals sharing their experiences and perspectives on innovation. Representatives from DEDAT also introduced provincial initiatives supporting business growth, export competitiveness, and technology adoption.

For GRIT Hub, hosting conversations like these is an important part of building a stronger regional innovation ecosystem. Bringing government, industry, entrepreneurs, and technology practitioners together creates opportunities for collaboration while ensuring that businesses outside major metropolitan centres have access to the same conversations and resources.