Paul van Zyl, co-founder of The Conduit, a private members' club in London, discusses his journey from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Africa to The Conduit. He emphasizes the importance of the philosophy of Ubuntu and its application to entrepreneurship. The Conduit combines elements of private members' clubs, ideas festivals, and business incubators, hosting talks on global issues with a solutions-oriented approach. The club has a diverse community of 3000 members and operates a business incubator. Van Zyl reveals plans to expand The Conduit to Oslo, New York, Geneva, Copenhagen, and Singapore. He reflects on the need for global leadership that rises above pettiness and partisanship. The article also highlights the success of The Conduit in supporting start-up businesses and fostering connections among entrepreneurs. Van Zyl expresses optimism about addressing the world's challenges through entrepreneurship and good leadership.
In March 2024, 10 Elizabethtown College students traveled to Prague, Czech Republic as part of the course FBE450: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economy [8b51e1bc]. They met with local entrepreneurs, including Radek Spicar, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Trade, who shared his experience with investing in stocks. They also met Max Munson, a Chicago-born entrepreneur who started Max's Steakhouse in 1992 and recommended four books. Mathias Schwender, a German-born entrepreneur and co-owner of Bohemia Hostels, discussed his journey in the hostel industry. Lastly, they met Antoin Koes, owner of ALBI, Kinoko, and Antoin's Bakery, who shared how he grew his business. The students also visited Prague Castle and Karlstejn Castle, and enjoyed the food in Prague. Overall, the students gained valuable insights and experiences in Prague [8b51e1bc].
The tech industry is buzzing with events and initiatives aimed at inspiring innovation and collaboration. The SKUAST-K SKIIE Centre organized a one-day awareness program on entrepreneurship in collaboration with Govt Degree College Dooru Anantnag [0907d0f7]. The program aimed to sensitize and educate youth about opportunities in startups and how to develop new concepts into viable businesses. Sessions were held on ideation and strategies for taking ideas to the next level, as well as the role of innovation in the present era. The program was well-received by the participants and staff, and the efforts of the organizers were appreciated by the Principal of Govt Degree College Dooru and other officials [0907d0f7].
In Goa, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell has partnered with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support and mentor startups, fostering collaboration and innovation [519d1a18]. President Joe Biden will host representatives from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to discuss regional growth [519d1a18]. The ET DigiPlus Fest's fifth edition will feature the DG+ Startup Zone, showcasing Asian startups in the digital marketing industry and offering rewards and support for innovation and business owners [519d1a18]. The Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 (CVCF) has begun, bringing together venture experts and innovative thinkers to discuss prospects and strategies for the venture capital market [8b63409c]. The forum focuses on emerging trends such as Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to foster regional collaboration in the Middle East, ASEAN, and the Greater Bay Area [8b63409c]. Cyberport, Hong Kong's digital technology flagship, has raised over HK$3 billion in the past year and continues to play a pivotal role in promoting investment matching and supporting startup fundraising [8b63409c]. These events and initiatives highlight the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech industry, creating opportunities for startups and driving regional growth [519d1a18] [8b63409c].
KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI) has been awarded 'Incubator of the Year 2023' by the Asian Association of Business Incubation. KIIT-TBI has supported over 400 startups in various sectors and is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Indian Government. The incubator is now acknowledged at the international level [05f52e12].
IIMK Live, the business incubator of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, has awarded seed funding worth ₹90 lakh to three promising start-ups in the maritime sector. The funding is part of the Ushus Scheme and brings the total number of supported start-ups to five, with overall funding support of ₹1.7 crore. The selected start-ups are expected to demonstrate dedication to innovation, enhance goods, services, or processes, and present a scalable business strategy with the potential for substantial revenue growth and job creation. The funding can be used for operational and capital expenses [4e9d1ffa].
IIT Madras students showcased their innovative projects at a research conclave organized by the Centre for Innovation. The projects included unmanned aerial vehicles, a solar-powered race car, and autonomous underwater vehicles. The Centre for Innovation provides students with funding and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Over 100 patents and several student-led startups have originated from the Centre. The conclave also provided industry guidance and financial aid to students. The event was the second edition of the research conclave [42646e66].
The University of Oklahoma's Price College of Business is a prime example of a business school that serves as a nexus of learning, research, and innovation. With its Future Proven ethos, the college acts as a real-world laboratory for economic reinvention and a proving ground for novel approaches to business challenges. The Tom Love Innovation Hub, also known as the I-Hub, is a physical environment on campus that fosters collaboration and inspiration, providing spaces for students, faculty, and entrepreneurs to work together. The I-Hub includes the Fab Lab, equipped with advanced tools for prototyping, and the Content Lab, where students create media and messaging for emerging companies. The I-Hub extends the college's reach beyond the university's walls and supports technology commercialization and early-stage funding for innovators. The college's impact on the economic fabric of the region is recognized through grants and funding from various sources. The Price College of Business is an economic engine that drives regional prosperity and engages with its community to shape discourse on sustainable economic growth [9dce5c8a].
Australian businesswoman Terri McClure, a global leader in social retail business, visited Ludhiana, India to meet slum children who have shown exceptional intelligence and a desire for education. The children from Bihari Colony, a slum in the city, were discussing subjects such as global warming, human rights, right to education, and sustainable development during a video meeting. McClure praised the children for their courage and resilience in pursuing education despite their underprivileged backgrounds. She urged the Nobel Foundation, which provides free education to the children, to introduce them to technology. McClure also commended Indian women for their work capabilities and expressed her love for Indian music. Social workers Megha Mahatani Varma and Vijay Mahatani were present as special guests during the meeting [a74bdc01].
Pip Edwards, co-founder of P.E Nation, was spotted arriving back in Australia at Sydney Airport on Wednesday after a trip to Hong Kong. She was seen wearing an all-grey ensemble from her own athleisure brand and wheeling a leopard-print suitcase. Edwards documented her trip on social media, sharing fashionable snapshots and expressing her love for Hong Kong. This comes after Edwards and her business partner Claire Greaves parted ways, with Edwards taking over as the sole creative director of P.E Nation. The brand has become an international success, with celebrity clients and a brick-and-mortar store in Sydney. Edwards' stylish arrival at the airport marks her return from a whirlwind holiday in Hong Kong. [1176ae8a]
Kenyan businesswoman Wandia Gichuru has opened a fashion brand in the United States and showcased it to President William Ruto and his entourage during their visit. Gichuru is the CEO of Vivo Woman and Shopzetu and they toured the Vivo fashion store after its launch in Atlanta, Georgia. Vivo Fashion Group has become the first to deliver Kenyan-made fashion brands in the US with the opening of its first store in Atlanta. President Ruto praised Vivo for showcasing the impact of visionary enterprise and the role of women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Gichuru formed Vivo Fashion Active Wear under the Shop Zetu online store in 2020, which sells affordable and trendy fashion wear for women, men, and children in Kenya and across Africa. In October 2023, Vivo Fashion joined the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE)-listed firms under the NSE Ibuka Programme [06fd1e76].
Aduke Aladekomo has launched Turaka, an African creative and social hub in Kent, United Kingdom. Turaka aims to showcase African arts, culture, and entertainment while providing a platform for creatives to thrive and connect. The launch event was attended by various individuals including Seyi Obadare, Teju Kareem, Carol Stewart, and Adenekan Moruff. Turaka is a registered trademark of Afrikan Glory Limited and is located on Chatham High Street in Kent. The hub promotes self-expression, inclusivity, and community engagement. [daea770a]
Tag Collective is a company founded by Andrew Franks and Samantha Kilian that provides holistic services to help businesses grow in Africa. They offer research, strategy, and data-driven creative innovation and marketing executions. The company focuses on various sectors including renewable energy, edutech, insurtech, innovation, health and wellness, inclusive fintech, and technology. Some of their recent projects include introducing positive innovation to the energy sector, addressing the digital skills gap in South Africa, repositioning a fintech player for growth, and reimagining the Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative. The company emphasizes partnership and leverages the collective talent model to bring businesses to the leading edge. For more information, visit tagcollective.co.za. [fc376faa]