Sol Plaatje University-Centre for Entrepreneurship & Rapid Incubator

23/03/2026

🚀 *NCIF Social-Tech Innovation Challenge 2025/6 - Design Thinking Workshop Reminder*
This is a reminder that we will be going LIVE today at 09:00 for the Design Thinking Workshop.

Join us as we explore real community and municipal challenges and begin developing technology-based solutions.
📅 Date: 23 March 2026
⏰ Time: 09:00 (Session starts)

💻 Join Online (MS Teams):
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/35646739108549...

📍 Join In-Person:
NCIF Office Building, 11 Toekoms Street, Upington, 8801
Namakwa Digital Hub, Okiep

👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/Ap83ZWf9z4QjKvDX8

📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: 073 358 8733
☎ Call: 054 332 1330

We look forward to having you join us!

The Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) invites innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and problem-solvers to attend a Design Thinking Workshop where real social challenges identified through stakeholder consultations will be presented. Participants will have the opportunity to join the final phase....

13/03/2026

🌾 NCIF Agri Innovation Challenge 2026
Design Thinking Workshop – Solve Real Farm Challenges

Join the Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) to explore real agricultural challenges identified through farm visits and stakeholder engagements.

Participants will learn the Design Thinking approach and begin developing innovative solutions.

Selected participants will form part of the final cohort of the Agri Innovation Challenge, with opportunities to:

• Participate in Ideation Workshops
• Present solutions at the Mini Innovation Challenge
• Receive mentorship and innovation development support

📅 20 March 2026
⏰ 08:30 – 13:00
💻 Hybrid Session (Online & In-person)

👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/K5EWoC5UcR3rvuop6

📧 [email protected]

📱 WhatsApp: 073 358 8733
☎ 054 332 1330

13/03/2026

🚀 Innovator of the Month – February 2026

Innovation is thriving in the Northern Cape! We are proud to celebrate the Top Innovators for February 2026, recognised through the Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CfERI).

Out of 17 inspiring applications, four innovators stood out for their creativity and problem-solving ideas — with two innovators emerging as our winners! 🏆

🏆 February Winners
✨ Warron Basson – Mason AI
An AI-powered interview assistant helping job seekers prepare and succeed in job interviews.

✨ Khazimla Ngonongono – Winbrier 3000
A distributed renewable energy ecosystem focused on improving access to sustainable power.

⭐ Top 4 Innovators
• Khazimla Ngonongono – Winbrier 3000
• Lenechia Cloete-Slipess – Digital QR receipt storage solution
• Warron Basson – Mason AI
• Ashley Adolph – Roof Solutions (transforming mining waste into construction materials)

👏 Congratulations to all the innovators for their outstanding ideas and commitment to shaping the future of innovation in the Northern Cape.

💡 Think you have the next big idea? Applications for the March Innovator of the Month are now open!

https://forms.gle/jnZ7nKN3owePwmRi6

11/02/2026

📢 NCIF Innovator of the Month – Applications Now Open! 🌟

The Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) invites innovators, entrepreneurs, students, MSMEs, hobbyists, and creative thinkers to apply or be nominated for the Innovator of the Month.

Do you have an idea, innovation, or project that can make a real difference in your community or industry? This is your chance to be recognised, featured across NCIF platforms, and connect to future innovation support opportunities.

🏆 Be recognised as Innovator of the Month
📣 Get promoted across NCIF platforms
🤝 Grow your innovation network

⏳ Closing Date: 22 February 2026
👉 Apply here: https://forms.gle/C4L4JneWgYmsPG3L7

For enquiries:
📧 [email protected]

📱 WhatsApp: 073 358 8733

17/10/2025

Subject: Final Reminder: Sol Plaatje University Applications Close 31 October 2025

Your future at Sol Plaatje University is calling!

This is a reminder that the application window for all undergraduate programmes for the 2026 academic year will officially close on Friday, 31 October 2025.

To ensure your application is considered, please complete and submit your online application via the SPU student portal before this deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Apply Now By Clicking here 👉 https://applications-prod.spu.ac.za/

If you need any assistance you can come to the centre (next to Lumber city) with a copy of your ID and a copy of your highest qualification (Matric), if you are still in matric you can bring your grade 12 report.

03/10/2025

🚀 WE ARE GOING LIVE AT 10:00! DON'T MISS OUT!! 🚀

The moment is here! Our NCIF Weekly Information-Sharing Session on "Understanding the Innovation Ecosystem" is about to go LIVE!

📅 Today, Friday 03 October 2025
⏰ Starting at 10:00 AM SHARP!

In this power-packed session, you'll discover:
• How to map the key players in the innovation landscape
• Where to find funders, incubators and research partners
• Practical steps to build your network effectively
• How NCIF can help connect you to the right resources
• Live Q&A to address your specific ecosystem challenges

This is your roadmap to navigating the innovation support system in the Northern Cape and beyond!

🎯 Perfect for: Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Students, Researchers, and anyone serious about taking their ideas to the next level!

👉 JOIN THE LIVE SESSION HERE:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmEzNjg4NDgtMjU1ZS00ZDlhLTk0ZmYtZWY2M2U0Yzg0YzA0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22acbcaed8-7adc-460c-ba57-028bdc80d84a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2299962666-815d-42ad-b053-9a21c839e3e9%22%7d

💬 Comment "JOINING" below if you're tuning in! We'll be monitoring comments during the session for your questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the innovation ecosystem that can accelerate your journey from idea to impact!

19/09/2025

🚨 We’re Going Live Soon! 🚨

Join us today at 10:00 – 11:00 AM for the next NCIF Weekly Information-Sharing Session:

Theme: Intellectual Property (IP) Basics for Innovators
💡 Learn how to protect your ideas through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. Discover why IP matters, common mistakes to avoid, and how NCIF and partners can support you.

📍 In-Person: NCIF Offices, 11 Toekoms St, Upington, 8801
💻 Online (MS Teams): Click here to join

We’ll be live shortly — don’t miss this important session on safeguarding your innovation! 🚀

12/09/2025

🚀 CALLING ALL INNOVATORS! 🚀
Do you have an inspiring idea or project that can make a real difference in your community or industry?

The Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF) is looking for the next Innovator of the Month! 🏆
Winners get:
✨ Recognition & promotion across NCIF platforms
✨ Automatic qualification for the RSIP Annual Regional Innovation Challenge (ARIC)
✨ A pathway to national platforms & the opportunity to compete nationally for the prize of up to R150 000 in innovation support funding.

📅 Closing date: 22 September 2025

👉 Apply here: https://forms.gle/C4L4JneWgYmsPG3L7

📧 [email protected]
| 📱 WhatsApp: 073 358 8733



(📌 See poster below for full details)

25/08/2025

Invitation to Apply to study at the Sol Plaatje University in 2026📣

Do you want to study at Sol Plaatje University in 2026? Your time is now!🤩

We are pleased to invite prospective students who wish to study at Sol Plaatje University in 2026 to attend our application support sessions. The registration support team from the Registrar's office will be available to assist with the processing of applications on the following dates:

🗓 Wednesday, 27 August 2025 | 08h30 – 10h00

🗓 Thursday, 28 August 2025 | 08h30 – 11h00

📍 Venue: 11 Toekoms Street, Upington, 8801 (Next to Lumbercity)

📁 Documents to bring along:
- ID or a copy of your ID
- Recent or highest qualification

Don't miss out on this opportunity!!🎊

25/08/2025

🚀 REMINDER – Tomorrow at 10:00!

Join us for the kickoff of the NCIF Weekly Information-Sharing Sessions 🎉

📅 Date: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 Hybrid: Attend in-person at 11 Toekoms Street, Upington, 8801 or join online via MS Teams.

✨ Kickoff Theme:
"An Overview of the NCIF Platform, 2025 Interventions, Funding Access & Innovation Resources"

💡 What you’ll gain:
✅ Learn about NCIF’s 2025 interventions
✅ How to respond to calls for support
✅ Funding & incentive opportunities
✅ Access to innovation resources

👉 To receive your MS Teams link in time (or to reserve your in-person seat), please register here:
https://forms.gle/R1ohtmfkTGgbk7oj7

We can’t wait to welcome you tomorrow as we launch this exciting series of weekly sessions running until November 2025!

20/08/2025

🌟 JOIN THE MAKER SPACE EXPERT NETWORK (MSEN)! 🌟

Are you passionate about innovation, technology, and creativity?
The CFERI Maker Space in Upington is calling for applications to join our Maker Space Expert Network (MSEN).

We’re looking for skilled professionals in:
🔹 3D Printing & Scanning
🔹 Woodworking & Laser Cutting/Engraving
🔹 Vinyl Cutting
🔹 Electronics / IoT
🔹 Graphic Design & CAD
🔹 VR/AR & Electronics Development
🔹 Licensed Drone Operations
🔹 Programming & Development

✅ Why join?
✔ Be part of a growing innovation community
✔ Mentor and support emerging makers & innovators
✔ Gain access to advanced tools & equipment
✔ Get priority invitations to workshops, webinars, and opportunities
✔ Recognition on Maker Space platforms

👩‍🔧 Who can apply?
Professionals and experts in any of the above fields who are eager to collaborate, mentor, and contribute to building an innovative ecosystem in the Northern Cape.

📩 Apply now via Google Form: https://forms.gle/SPidPTnzfHJatBwN8

📧 [email protected]
| 📞 054 332 1330 | 📱 073 358 8733
📍 11 Toekoms Street, Upington

🚀 Let’s build the future of innovation and making together!

20/08/2025

🚀 KICKING OFF NEXT WEEK!

The NCIF Weekly Information-Sharing Sessions are here! 🎉

📅 First Session: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 Hybrid: In-person at 11 Toekoms Street OR online via MS Teams.

✨ Theme for the Kickoff Session:
"An overview of the NCIF Platform, 2025 Interventions, Funding Access & Innovation Resources"

💡 What You’ll Gain:
✅ Introduction to the NCIF Innovation Platform
✅ Overview of planned interventions for 2025
✅ How to respond to calls for support
✅ Information on funding & incentive programmes
✅ Access to innovation resources

🎯 Who Should Join?
Entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, tech-based MSMEs, students, persons with disabilities, and innovation support partners.

📌 This is just the beginning! Sessions will run weekly until November 2025, covering funding, innovation tools, market access, training, IP, mentorship, networking and more.

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/R1ohtmfkTGgbk7oj7

📞 054 332 1330 | 📲 WhatsApp 073 358 8733 | ✉️ [email protected]