Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted some of Gauteng’s most promising student entrepreneurs during the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 Gauteng Regional Round, held recently.
Co-ordinated by Universities South Africa (USAf) through the EDHE Programme, the regional competition brought together student entrepreneurs from SMU, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of Pretoria (UP), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Over two days, participants presented innovative business ideas to a panel of industry experts across five categories: Existing Business – Tech, Existing Business – Social Impact, Existing Business – General, Innovative Industries, and Commercialisation of Academic Research.
Welcoming delegates, participants and guests, SMU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Dini Mawela, said the university was proud to host a competition that advances innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. “It has been an honour for SMU to host the Gauteng Regional Round of the EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026. The level of innovation, creativity and determination demonstrated by the participating students has been truly inspiring,” said Professor Mawela.
She added that universities have an important role to play in preparing graduates to become both employment seekers and creators of economic opportunities. “The future belongs to graduates who are able to create opportunities rather than wait for them,” she said, emphasising the importance of partnerships such as EDHE in strengthening an entrepreneurial culture that promotes innovation, job creation and inclusive economic development.
Acting Manager of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Economic Activation Officer, Naledi Mathole, praised the quality and potential of the ventures showcased during the competition. “The calibre of innovation showcased over the two days has been exceptional. Every participant demonstrated courage, creativity and resilience by presenting solutions that have the potential to make a meaningful impact in society,” Mathole said.
The Gauteng regional winners were Kamogelo Selepe of UJ’s ArcaneEdge in Existing Business – Tech; Kabelo Mahlobogwane of UP’s The Marking App in Existing Business – Social Impact; and Katlego Madumo of UJ’s Madiic Design Studios in Existing Business – General.
Samukelisiwe Shongwe of UJ’s Humus African Locator (Pty) Ltd won the Innovative Industries category, while Tumelo Phasha of UJ’s ResistIQ emerged victorious in Commercialisation of Academic Research.
The winners will represent Gauteng at the EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 National Finals in November 2026, where they will compete for a share of more than R1.2 million in prizes, as well as national recognition, mentorship opportunities and potential investor support.
Mathole said SMU would continue to create opportunities for student entrepreneurs through mentorship, incubation programmes, and strategic partnerships.
The regional round reinforces SMU’s broader commitment to excellence and innovation, supporting its vision of transforming health services through them while equipping students to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.
By Dimakatso Modise
