All set for Old Mutual innovation competition finals
AN initiative of Old Mutual, the Eight2Five Innovation Hub is geared for the final pitch event of the 2024 edition of the Value Creation Challenge (VCC) set for Friday where winners will be announced.
The competition, which is designed to support business development by young entrepreneurs through incubation, strategic guidance, access to networks, potential investors and pre-seed funding — will see top 12 finalists, aged between 18 and 45 years from across the country vying for the prestigious prize, which serve as a launchpad for transforming their innovative ideas.
The budding entrepreneurs are competing under the pillars of Innovative Technology, Creative Industries, Emerging Industries and Sustainability.
Each of the pillars will have a winner and from these — the overall winner would be chosen and will walk away with an additional prize.
Eight2Five Innovation Hub is hosting this year’s finals of the competition in partnership with Old Mutual, the United Kingdom Embassy and the British Council.
The final pitch event will mark the culmination of a six-month journey during which entrepreneurs participated in a bootcamp and incubation programme, allowing their entrepreneurial spirit to flourish while gaining access to mentorship and expert guidance.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe group marketing, public affairs and sustainability executive, Lilian Mbayiwa, said the VCC is designed to support entrepreneurs, as the development of new ideas and technologies can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both the industry and society.
“Eight2Five Innovation Hub, powered by Old Mutual, is gearing up for the final pitch event of the 2024 edition of the VCC with winners set to be announced at the event this Friday.
“The competition is designed to support business development through incubation, strategic guidance, access to networks, potential investors, and pre-seed funding.
“This is the fourth edition of the exhilarating competition designed to support business development through product incubation, strategic guidance, access to networks, potential investors, and pre-seed funding,” she said.
The finalists are: African Fruit Co, Capital Kreatives, Charis Nutrition Consultancy, Crystalcred, Honeyscoop, Kitchen Gardens by Joy, Kumbacare, Nengare Incorporated, PURED Agro Processors, Robust 365, Rubys Touch Designs and Zimpricecheck.
The entrepreneurs will present their ideas before a panel of judges comprising officials and industry experts from diverse sectors.
“We believe that by nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and supporting innovative initiatives, we can create sustainable solutions that deliver meaningful results in our communities.
“This initiative also enables Old Mutual to identify innovative thinkers, potential collaborators, and future business leaders, while enhancing their connections with industry stakeholders and investors,” said Ms Mbayiwa.
Old Mutual has a long-standing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainability.
The company’s mandate around entrepreneurship is to create an enabling environment where innovative ideas can thrive.-Ebsinessweekl
