Innovate Durban in partnership with Old Mutual, eThekwini Municipality , Adams and Adams Attorney as well as Zutari, proudly announces the launch of the Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC), a flagship program designed to harness the boundless creativity and unconventional thinking of young South Africans to address real-world challenges in their communities.
The Youth Innovation Challenge embodies Innovate Durban’s core value proposition: “Improve lives and build better businesses through innovation and collaboration.” This program was conceptualized on the fundamental belief that young people possess extraordinary creative potential and think far beyond conventional boundaries, making them uniquely positioned to develop fresh solutions to persistent challenges.
“Young people have an incredible amount to offer,” said Aurelia Albert, CEO at Innovate Durban. “Their natural creativity and ability to think outside traditional frameworks make them powerful agents of change. The Youth Innovation Challenge provides them with the platform, mentorship, and resources to transform their innovative ideas into tangible solutions.”
Bridging Innovation and Opportunity
The YIC program encourages participants to identify pressing challenges within their communities or personal experiences and develop creative, innovative solutions. Through structured mentorship and collaboration, young innovators gain unprecedented access to industry experts and established corporate leaders, opportunities that traditionally require significant networking and connections.
Participants will have the chance to engage directly with seasoned professionals, receiving guidance that extends far beyond traditional academic learning. This unique “rubbing shoulders with experts” approach ensures that young innovators not only develop their ideas but also gain invaluable insights into business development, entrepreneurship, and industry best practices.
Strategic Partnerships Drive Impact
The Youth Innovation Challenge is made possible through the generous support of key strategic partners who share Innovate Durban’s vision of nurturing young talent and driving meaningful change.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Old Mutual, eThekwini Municipality, Adams & Adams Attorneys, and Zutari,” continued Aurelia Albert. “This initiative has been close to their hearts and aligns perfectly with their visions and missions. Their commitment to youth development and innovation makes this program possible and ensures its sustainability and impact.”
“With Africa’s youngest population driving global growth, Old Mutual’s partnership with Innovate Durban’s Youth Innovation Challenge goes far beyond sponsorship, it’s a strategic bet on local talent solving global challenges. Together, we’re transforming Durban into a solutions engine that competes and wins on the world stage, turning demographic advantage into innovation leadership.” Said Kershnee Ballack, Technology Executive at Old Mutual.
The Old Mutual Innovation Manager for the Mass and Foundation Cluster, Mzwandile Mathebula believes, “This is more than a local initiative; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our continent. The Youth Innovation Challenge empowers young Africans to solve problems they understand best, from food security to climate resilience, ensuring the solutions are authentic and impactful. We are not just preparing tomorrow’s leaders; we are enabling today’s innovators and, together with Innovate Durban, building a talent pipeline that will drive Africa’s economic prosperity”.
These partnerships provide participants with access to legal expertise, engineering insights, municipal understanding, and financial services knowledge, thus creating a comprehensive support ecosystem for young innovators.
Transforming Communities Through Youth-Led Innovation
The Youth Innovation Challenge represents more than just a competition or program—it’s a movement that recognizes young people as solution architects for their own communities. By encouraging participants to tackle challenges they personally understand and experience, the program ensures that solutions are authentic, relevant, and impactful.
Through this flagship initiative, Innovate Durban and its partners continue to demonstrate their commitment to building a more innovative, collaborative ecosystem that improves lives and strengthens businesses across the region.
-ENDS-
About Innovate Durban
Innovate Durban (RF) NPC is a registered non-profit company set up in 2017 as a special purpose vehicle to support innovation, innovators and innovation ecosystem through programmes, research and capacity building and skills development. The programmes and activities of the organisation is supported through the virtual and physical platforms and events.
Caption :
Innovate Durban Launches Youth Innovation Challenge: Empowering Young Minds to Solve Tomorrow’s Problems Today
For more information on Innovate Durban contact:
Miliswa Sipambo
Marketing & Events Specialist – Innovate Durban
Tel: 087 365 3131 | Email: miliswa@innovate.durban
Social Media Handles:
Web https://www.innovate.durban/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/innovatedurban
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/innovatedurban/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/20142770/admin/
Submitted by
Miliswa Sipambo
Marketing & Events Specialist – Innovate Durban
Tel: 087 365 3131 | Email: miliswa@innovate.durban