(Published - 3 June 2019)

The Pitch Tank Battle of the Faculties Student Innovation Challenge was conceived to embed a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Open to all UWC students, the challenge seeks to find the most innovative business ideas within the various university faculties, and to give the originators of those ideas a chance to see their innovations become reality.

While universities are traditionally seen as centres for new ideas, this challenge seeks to identify the true innovation that is currently unseen and uncelebrated. The competition launched on 6 May 2019, kicking off with a free entrepreneurship workshop for UWC students interested in participating.

Students have a unique perspective on how to resolve the issues affecting our society. The Pitch Tank Battle of the Faculties Student Innovation Challenge is presented in partnership between The Office of the DVC: Academic, the Greater Tygerberg Partnership and The Startup Hatchery. The winning ideas will be developed in Bellville, as an expression of the intention to drive a culture of innovation in the area. Using Bellville as a test-bed for the new concepts will be a celebration of how academia, the public sector and civil society can work together to showcase the city’s innovation and knowledge ecosystem.

A shortlist of 14 semi-finalists - from different faculties - will be selected to participate in a live pitching event, presenting their innovations to a panel of judges at the Pitch Tank Battle of the Faculties on 25 July. Winning teams will receive prizes and business support packages to help them develop their idea into a viable business model.

To apply, complete an online application form at: http://bit.ly/battleofthefacultiesUWC