SA student entrepreneurs invited to Toronto for fellowships, incubation

Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada announced the creation of fellowships for student entrepreneurs from top South African universities. The initiative aims to help students develop their businesses at one of the university’s incubators, including one of Canada’s largest digital incubators, Digital Media Zone.

After undergoing assessment, eight applicants will be chosen from the University of Witwatersand, University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University and University of Venda.

These aspiring entrepreneurs will then be provided with transportation, mentorship, accommodation and a three-to-four-month placement at a Ryerson incubator zone in Canada. They will also receive office space, networking and collaboration opportunities with other startup companies.

Other incubators from Ryerson University include the Centre for Urban Energy, Fashion Zone and the Design and Fabrication Zone.

Ryerson University has previously collaborated with universities from other countries such as India, Israel and China to build entrepreneurial bridges.

We’ve seen before how Canada is recruiting South African entrepreneurs with its startup visa programme. Professor Adam Habib, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, points out that such international initiatives are of the utmost importance for the development of future entrepreneurs and leaders on the African continent.

“Entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in the social and economic development of South Africa and Africa. It is imperative for higher education institutions to play their part in nurturing, training and developing future entrepreneurs and we welcome the three Ryerson fellowships for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Image via Ryerson University