Successful commercialisation of innovative products requires more than funding. It requires strong partnerships between government, industry and research institutions.
According to Claudy Steyn, the Chief Director of Chemicals, Cosmetics, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) who was addressing a launch of DORAH – a feminine hygiene product range. The launch was held at The Fortress Avenue in Edenvale.
The product was made possible through support from the dtic and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
A grant of R1 million from the Grassroots Innovation Facilitation Scheme (GIFS) a funding mechanism of the Khoebo Innovation Promotion Programme (KIPP), was availed to Aabaalio Holdings (Pty) Ltd, for the development of the DORAH products.
Steyn explained that the KIPP which is administered by the IDC and is aimed at supporting early-stage innovative enterprises in commercialising their locally developed products and technologies.
Rian Coetzee, who is the Divisional Executive for Industry Planning and Project Development at the IDC was more emphatic on the importance of partnerships in commercialisation of new products. “Funding is not always the biggest challenge to market penetration by new products but lack of partnerships often lead to market failure,” said Coetzee adding that the IDC was proud to have partnered with the dtic in facilitating both the creation and launch of the Dorah product.
“The programme seeks to introduce new innovative technologies into the economy through the provision of financial and non-financial support. It places a particular emphasis on supporting innovators from rural and township areas across all sectors. Our goal is to create an ecosystem that enables innovation to thrive and reach local and international markets. We urge innovators to explore and take advantage of the support provided through the KIPP,” she said.
Officials of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Ms Sinah Mosehla – Director of Cosmetics (Left) and Ms Claudy Steyn, the Chief Director: Chemical, Cosmetics, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals (Right) during a tour of the manufacturing plant in Sandton where the DORAH products are produced.
Media Enquiries
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
X: @the_dtic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedti?mibextid=ZbWKwL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedtic
Website: https://www.thedtic.gov.za/
Share this:
