IT multinational Cisco today (1 November) launched a R10-million incubation centre in Pretoria aimed at helping small businesses and startups speed up entry into the market.
In a statement, Cisco said its Cisco Edge Incubation Centre — the first in South Africa — will provide small businesses and startups with Cisco technology and training. The centre is located at the Gauteng government’s Innovation Hub in Pretoria.
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The Pretoria centre also offers complete business facilities including workspaces with high-speed broadband connectivity, video conferencing and collaboration platforms, as well as boardroom and training facilities.
In addition, small businesses will be able to connect with global Cisco experts, who can help them develop business ideas and concepts in a digital world.
At least 30 small businesses and startups will be trained at the Pretoria facility annually. The centre will be run in conjunction with the Innovation Hub and the State Information Technology Agency (Sita).
Cisco plans to open similar centres at Tshimologong, East London Industrial Development Zone and the Dube Trade Port in KwaZulu-Natal
The company added that in the coming months, it plans to open similar centres at Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Gauteng, the East London Industrial Development Zone in the Eastern Cape and the Dube Trade Port in KwaZulu-Natal.
Cisco general manager for sub-Saharan Africa Clayton Naidoo (pictured above, far left) said the centre is designed to impart business knowledge and tech skills along with collaborative opportunities.
Innovation Hub in Pretoria acting CEO Advocate Pieter Hill described the centre as an “incredible” opportunity that will change many lives for the better.
Featured image: The official ribbon opening of the Cisco Edge Incubation Centre at the Innovation Hub with (left to right) Cisco SA general manager Clayton Naidoo, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services’s ICT policy director Charles Mabuza, Cisco public policy director Charmaine Houvet, Acting CEO of the Innovation Hub Pieter Holl, Innovation Hub board member Ramateu Monyokolo and Technology Innovation Agency executive manager Patrick Krappie. (Supplied)
