Propella Business Incubator

Propella Business Incubator Providing support for innovators with disruptive technology which gives manufacturing in the Eastern Cape and the rest of South Africa a competitive edge.

Propella operates as an Incubator (Support of NEWCO’s) as well as an Accelerator (Support of existing companies) as this is critical from a sustainability and income earning perspective. It is also good practice to support companies in various stages of their life cycle as the development support and interaction between the incubatees is as important as the development support received from the In

cubator. Propella will also operate on a physical and virtual basis in order to further extend the development support beyond those companies which are located in Propella.

Mission Room Engagement | AWS x NanoTek x Propella 🚀The future of innovation in the Eastern Cape starts with solving re...
04/09/2026

Mission Room Engagement | AWS x NanoTek x Propella 🚀

The future of innovation in the Eastern Cape starts with solving real-world problems.

We had the pleasure of hosting the first Eastern Cape edition of The Mission Room by NanoTek, supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cloud on Demand.

The Mission Room bridges the gap between institutions and industries facing real challenges and the innovators who can design and build solutions. The engagement brought together ecosystem stakeholders to identify and map some of the the industry missions that will be pioneered.

The identified missions will now progress into a hackathon, where innovators will develop practical prototype solutions with the potential to advance into discovery engagements and paid pilots.

We continue to be proud to anchor these important conversations, bring diverse stakeholders into one room and strengthen the Eastern Cape’s innovation ecosystem.

Day 2 | uYilo eMobility Summit 2026 ⚡🚘Propella joined Day 2 of the uYilo eMobility Summit 2026 at Nelson Mandela Univers...
27/08/2026

Day 2 | uYilo eMobility Summit 2026 ⚡🚘

Propella joined Day 2 of the uYilo eMobility Summit 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, where the focus shifted towards the progress already being made and the practical actions required to accelerate electric mobility implementation in South Africa.

The day showcased developments achieved since the 2025 Summit, including the implementation of electric minibus taxis, lessons from Golden Arrow’s large-scale electric bus rollout, South Africa’s hydrogen and battery innovation pathways, and the development of the locally produced Thula Electric Safari Vehicle.

Some of the case studies demonstrated how research, innovation and targeted support can be translated into real-world mobility solutions, while also highlighting the importance of infrastructure, workforce readiness, commercialisation and long-term industrial planning.

Through thematic working sessions, delegates explored the actions needed to strengthen the journey from research and technology development to demonstration, commercialisation and large-scale deployment.

As an incubator supporting green technology and industrial innovation, Propella values the opportunity to contribute to conversations shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and locally driven eMobility ecosystem.

JustEnergyTransition IndustrialInnovation Commercialisation ElectricVehicles Propella NelsonMandelaUniversity eNtsa TIA DSTI

Ngwekazi Student Entrepreneurship Programme Launch 2026 | Kore Business SolutionsLast night, Propella attended the offic...
27/08/2026

Ngwekazi Student Entrepreneurship Programme Launch 2026 | Kore Business Solutions

Last night, Propella attended the official launch of the Ngwekazi Student Entrepreneurship Programme, hosted by Kore Business Solutions.

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Kore Business Solutions on this phenomenal initiative. Empowering student entrepreneurs is vital for building a thriving, future-proof economy, and we are proud to witness and support this journey.

Here’s to fostering groundbreaking ideas and cultivating tomorrow’s business leaders!

Day 1 | eMobility Summit 2026 ⚡🚘Day 1 of the eMobility Summit at Nelson Mandela University brought together representati...
26/08/2026

Day 1 | eMobility Summit 2026 ⚡🚘

Day 1 of the eMobility Summit at Nelson Mandela University brought together representatives from government, industry, research institutions, funding agencies and development organisations under the theme:
“Accelerating Electric Mobility Implementation in South Africa: From Innovation to Industrial Participation.”

Hosted by uYilo, eNtsa, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Summit is focused on identifying practical actions to accelerate South Africa’s electric mobility transition and contribute towards the development of a Ministerial Outcomes Document for 2026–2030.

The Honourable Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the role of research, technology development, skills and commercialisation in enabling South Africa’s transition to electric mobility.

The message from Day 1 was clear: South Africa must move from innovation to coordinated implementation, industrial participation and inclusive economic growth.

Masterclass 3 | ProFuture ICT Programme 2026 🚀Zandile Silo, Propella’s Lead Marketing & Communications Coordinator, faci...
26/08/2026

Masterclass 3 | ProFuture ICT Programme 2026 🚀

Zandile Silo, Propella’s Lead Marketing & Communications Coordinator, facilitated Masterclass 3 on Digital Marketing and Branding.

The session equipped the ProFuture innovators with practical tools to build credible, market-ready brands and position their smart-city solutions effectively.

Participants explored South Africa’s rapidly growing digital marketing landscape while understanding ways to position their brands, having in mind their targeted markets, selecting the right digital platforms, ensure they are developing engaging content, storytelling and using digital marketing to increase visibility, validate their solutions and build market traction.

Building an innovative solution is only the beginning, entrepreneurs must also be able to communicate its value and reach the people who need it.

Currently underway | PSET Entrepreneurship & Alternative Pathways into the Labour Market SymposiumHead of Propella, Masa...
25/08/2026

Currently underway | PSET Entrepreneurship & Alternative Pathways into the Labour Market Symposium

Head of Propella, Masa Mlamla and Finance Manager, Siphosethu Martins are currently attending the PSET Entrepreneurship & Alternative Pathways into the Labour Market Symposium hosted by the Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC ) in KuGompo City

This is a provincial platform aimed to connect Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions, industry, investors, government and enterprise support organisations to unlock opportunities, build enterprises and create sustainable livelihoods.

As an IYBA SEED weaver, we are excited to connect with provincial stakeholder to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship Ecosystem for the Eastern Cape.



Masa & Siphosethu with Adin Arendse, Business Development Consultant and Mrs Karen Snyman, Specialist Student Entrepreneurship at Nelson Mandela University

Masa with Teboho Qholosha, ECSECC’s Program Manager: Economic Governance & HRD

Propella Nomination: Incubator Champion of the Year We are proud to announce that Propella has been named a Top 5 Finali...
24/08/2026

Propella Nomination: Incubator Champion of the Year

We are proud to announce that Propella has been named a Top 5 Finalist in the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) Awards in the Incubator Champion of the Year category! 🌍✨

From 1,786 nominations across 52 African countries, only 145 finalists were selected. Standing in the final five is a major honour that highlights Propella’s impact within a highly competitive field.

Before an early-stage startup can scale or raise capital, they need a structured environment to test assumptions, understand customers, and build strong foundations. This continental recognition celebrates the vital, behind-the-scenes incubation work Propella do every day to support African ideas.

🗳️ The continent gets a say, and we need your support! Public voting is officially open and closes on 15 September 2026. Verified public votes will directly contribute to the final outcome!
👉 Cast your verified vote for Propella here: https://www.asebs.com/finalists/category/incubator-champion-of-the-year

24/08/2026

🚀 Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals | TIA 2026

We recently sat down with Malese Ndhlovu, Lead: Space Innovation Initiative at the Technology Innovation Agency to discuss how space technology is acting as “an eagle in the sky” for local socioeconomic growth.

From driving digital transformation for small-scale farmers to building critical Earth Observation capabilities, the Space Innovation Initiative is actively funding and commercialising Deep Tech solutions designed to bridge the innovation chasm.

About the Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals:
If you are developing Remote Sensing or Earth Observation (EO) technologies, join us to learn more about the available commercialisation funding, target sectors, technical requirements, compliance criteria and application process.

The call focuses on solutions that support:
• National service delivery
• Industrial modernisation in mining, agriculture and energy sustainability
• Infrastructure and spatial planning
• Water and food security
• Health sustainability
• Disaster management

Applications are open to South African legal entities, including startups, MSMEs, science councils, universities and TVET colleges. Priority will be given to women, youth and Black-owned enterprises, persons with disabilities, and applicants from underserved provinces.

The initiative is led by TIA in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

Happy World Entrepreneurs’ Day Every great industry, movement, and breakthrough starts the exact same way, with a single...
21/08/2026

Happy World Entrepreneurs’ Day

Every great industry, movement, and breakthrough starts the exact same way, with a single, bold idea and the courage to pursue it. 💡

Today, on World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we celebrates & acknowledge the visionaries, the risk-takers, and the relentless problem-solvers who turn “what if” into reality.

To every entrepreneur out there building, scaling, and disrupting. We see your hard work, and we are proud to propel your journey forward. 🚀

🚀 Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals: Information SessionThe Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in partners...
20/08/2026

🚀 Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals: Information Session

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in partnership with Propella, held a briefing session for the Space Innovation Initiative.
This session provided key insights into funding guidelines, application processes, and strategic focus areas aimed at advancing the local space tech ecosystem.

By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and commercial viability, this initiative aims to propel local space innovations onto the global stage. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, asked insightful questions, and shared their visionary concepts. The future of space technology starts here.

About the Space Innovation Initiative Call for Proposals:
If you are developing Remote Sensing or Earth Observation (EO) technologies, join us to learn more about the available commercialisation funding, target sectors, technical requirements, compliance criteria and application process.

The call focuses on solutions that support:
• National service delivery
• Industrial modernisation in mining, agriculture and energy sustainability
• Infrastructure and spatial planning
• Water and food security
• Health sustainability
• Disaster management

Applications are open to South African legal entities, including startups, MSMEs, science councils, universities and TVET colleges. Priority will be given to women, youth and Black-owned enterprises, persons with disabilities, and applicants from underserved provinces.

The initiative is led by TIA in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

FundingOpportunity TechStartups Gqeberha

Address

07 Caravelle Street , Walmer Industrial Area , Gqeberha
Port Elizabeth
6011

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27415023700

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