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03 October 2024 | Story Ansie Barnard | Photo Supplied
Amrut Foundation 2024
From left to right: Londeka Mkhwanazi, Semither Mkhize, Salima van Schalkwyk, Slindokuhle Ndlovu, Asanda Mpinga, Mantombi Molefe, Ntombinkulu Khumalo, Mosebjadi Chauke and Thembinkosi Mkhwanazi.

The Amrut Foundation, in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), successfully hosted its Inaugural Innovathon at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus. This competition is designed to identify and support innovative products and services that not only generate profit but also contribute to the public good, with a strong emphasis on ethical business practices. Through this collaboration, students gain national exposure for their businesses and receive support to create sustainable social enterprises.

Five teams of student social entrepreneurs from the Qwaqwa campus were shortlisted to participate in the regional finals. Their selection was based on ventures that adhered to a social entrepreneurship model and demonstrated plans for long-term profitability and sustainability.

During the Innovathon, a panel of judges from the UFS, the Amrut Foundation, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) selected two outstanding teams to represent the UFS at the national finals, which will take place in October. The winning ventures, Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue were each awarded R20,000 to further develop and expand their initiatives.

Hemang Desai, Executive Director of the Amrut Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "Amrut is proud to co-host the Free State leg of the inaugural Innovation Challenge with the UFS. Supporting students with entrepreneurial ambitions that align with societal care is one of our key focus areas."

Dr Grey Magaiza, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director for the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the UFS, highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship: “Social entrepreneurship is a collaborative effort towards creating sustainable and ethical business processes. The two winning projects embody these principles, and we look forward to their continued growth. In line with our Vision 130, social entrepreneurship can serve as a critical lever for university-community engagement.”

Congratulations to Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue on their well-deserved achievements! 

News Archive

Name it and claim it
2017-02-16

Description:UFS Student Newsletter Tags: UFS Student Newsletter longdesc=

The first edition of the UFS Student Newsletter also
contains a video that is part of the #StayInformed
campaign. The campaign introduces Kovsies to
some of the UFS communication platforms.
Photo: Supplied

Have you seen the new UFS Student Newsletter? It’s your one-stop interactive source of campus news about your fellow Kovsies, events, announcements, and information.

And guess what? We deliver it to you! Just keep an eye on your ufs4life emails for the electronic publication that will keep you in the loop.

First edition

In first edition, we cover many topics, with something for everyone. Read what first-years on the Qwaqwa Campus say, see how the Shimlas started their Varsity Cup campaign, learn how to make the most of a limited food budget, and find out what Mr Rag is up to.

Get in contact

We want to give you news, tailormade for you. That is why you should help us to name this newsletter. Email your ideas (and how you came up with it) to news@ufs.ac.za and stand a chance to win.

We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, campus news tips, and student events to news@ufs.ac.za 

  • Take a look at the first edition here: http://bit.ly/2kIIQWQ; also find it under the newsletter tab on KovsieLife.
  • Tell us what you think; name the newsletter and your suggestion might be chosen. Send an email to news@ufs.ac.za

 

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