Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and The Innovation Hub Management Company (TIHMC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and healthcare technology development within South Africa’s township economy.
The three-year agreement establishes the physical presence of The Innovation Hub’s eKasiLab Ga-Rankuwa programme within the SMU ecosystem, creating a collaborative platform that connects academia, industry and government to accelerate enterprise development, skills training and the commercialisation of healthcare, medical and biotechnology innovations.
The partnership will leverage shared facilities, research and development resources, and innovation networks to transform research outcomes into practical solutions that address both healthcare and broader societal challenges. The initiative will be jointly overseen by Ms Naledi Mathole who currently oversees activities at SMU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI), and TIHMC Manager for Partnerships, Mpho Mbonani.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mathole described the agreement as a strategic step towards strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and surrounding communities.
“The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and The Innovation Hub Management Company to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development and the commercialisation of solutions that address healthcare and societal challenges,” she said.
Mathole added that the collaboration would provide students and staff with enhanced access to innovation programmes, mentorship opportunities, industry networks and incubation support.
“The partnership will support the development of student and staff start-ups, the commercialisation of research and intellectual property, and greater access to innovation ecosystems through investors and industry partners,” she said.
Professor Dini Mawela, SMU Acting Vice Chancellor, said the agreement aligns with the university’s vision of becoming an entrepreneurial institution that equips graduates with practical skills alongside academic excellence.
“We want all activities at SMU to point towards being an entrepreneurial university so that our students graduate with tangible, practical skills,” said Mawela. “Our students are discovering incredible things, and through initiatives such as innovation hackathons and programming competitions, we are encouraging them to transform creative ideas into solutions that can make a meaningful impact in society.”
A key objective of the partnership is to stimulate socio-economic development in Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane and surrounding communities by creating pathways for local innovation and sustainable business growth.
TIHMC Area Innovation Manager for Township Economic Revitalisation, Buti Makama, highlighted the importance of building a self-sustaining healthcare innovation ecosystem that reduces reliance on imported interventions.
“SMU is producing the scientists, while we provide access to laboratories, capital and business expertise. Together, we are building an ecosystem that can develop local healthcare solutions and strengthen South Africa’s innovation capacity,” he said.
Acting Executive for Township Economy Revitalisation at The Innovation Hub, Kgaugelo Tsoka, said the partnership would expand opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.
“By bringing together the strengths of SMU and eKasiLab, we are creating opportunities for young people, innovators and entrepreneurs to access the skills, support and networks they need to transform ideas into sustainable businesses and impactful solutions,” said Tsoka.
The agreement also promotes joint intellectual property development, strengthens compliance with data privacy requirements under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, and creates opportunities for new revenue streams through innovation and commercialisation.
As South Africa commemorates 50 years since the 1976 Youth Day uprisings, the partnership reflects SMU’s ongoing commitment to transforming health services through excellence and innovation. By empowering future scientists, entrepreneurs and healthcare leaders, the university continues to advance solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute to the country’s long-term development.
By Rose Moreki
