Reports and Media Coverage

The Amrut Foundation, in collaboration with Wits University’s Academic Development Unit, successfully hosted the first round of the Innovathon on Social Entrepreneurship. The event saw 11 dynamic teams competing for two grand prizes of R20,000 each. 

The competition showcased exceptional innovation and critical thinking. Participants demonstrated a deep understanding of social entrepreneurship, with judges from academia, big business and NGO donor community all providing incisive and constructive feedback. The teams received the comments with openness, further enriching the learning experience. 

Both winning teams were all-women groups focused on environmental solutions. Whilst team EcoBurn Solutions proposed a biogas solution aimed at providing energy to rural households, Eco Cane Solutions  presented a biodegradable alternative to polymer plastics—both addressing crucial sustainability challenges. 

Hemang Desai, Executive Director of the Amrut Foundation, expressed his admiration for the winning ideas, stating, “I’m impressed with the creativity and impact of these solutions. We are excited to see what the future rounds will bring at the University of Free State and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.” The Foundation further thanked the Academic Development Unit of the Faculty of Engineering for under Prof. R. Genga for being excellent hosts and co-organisers.  

Looking ahead, all winning teams from the preliminary rounds will compete in the grand f inale, with the opportunity to win a prize of R200,000. “Social entrepreneurship lies at the heart of Amrut Foundation’s vision for a sustainable economic future in South Africa,” added Desai.