Kareeberg Innovation Challenge 2022 at Carnarvon, Northern Cape

The Commercialisation unit at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) recently hosted the exciting Karoo Innovation Challenge, in a bid to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration. The Challenge is a subprogram of the Karoo Enterprise Development Program managed by the SARAO Commercialisation unit, generating innovative ideas that provide solutions to pressing societal issues. The event, which took place from Monday, 14 November to Friday, 18 November 2022 at the Sassa Hall in Carnarvon, saw 20 finalists from Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei, Van Wyksvlei and Prieska being given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and stand a chance to receive grant funding. The top three finalists walked away with cash prizes. The 1st prize winner, Patricia Hartnick, received a grant to the value of R30 000, the 1st runner-up, Lizahn Esterhuizen received a grant to the value of R20 000, and the 2nd runner-up, Stephanie de Wee, won a grant to the value of R10 000. The grants are intended to be applied towards advancing their businesses. In addition, all 20 finalists received pitch training from the National Youth Development Agency in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and will receive incubation and business support starting from January 2023.