R16mn fund for SA’s water innovations

Innovation is the key to addressing the challenges faced not only in South Africa but across the continent and around the world. Marisa Naidoo, Country Lead for South Africa at Innovate UK, sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the critical role of innovation in solving water and agriculture issues. Innovate UK's mission is to mobilize and connect ecosystems, bringing in highly innovative solutions to tackle these pressing issues. Naidoo highlighted the importance of taking an ecosystem approach rather than a singular solution approach. She emphasized the significance of collaborative research and development partnerships between South Africa and the UK to address global water security challenges. While South Africa has made investments in innovation to combat drought situations, there is still much to learn from other countries like the UK. Water scarcity is a global concern and could be a leading cause of conflicts in the future. Naidoo stressed the interconnected nature of food, water, and energy security, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to address these challenges. Innovate UK focuses on the nexus of these factors, ensuring that innovations in one area do not neglect the others. Funding is crucial for translating innovative ideas into actionable projects. Naidoo underscored the importance of collaboration and partnerships to accelerate innovations and achieve impactful results swiftly. By working together with organizations like the Technology Innovation Agency, Innovate UK aims to expedite the transformation of funding into tangible initiatives. When it comes to collaboration, a cross-sectoral approach is essential. Naidoo emphasized the need for different industries and entities, including the state and public entities, to come together to de-risk opportunities and advance innovations rapidly. By fostering collaboration, stakeholders can mitigate risks and speed up the commercialization of impactful innovations. Inclusivity is also a key focus for Innovate UK, with a specific emphasis on supporting women and youth in innovation. Naidoo noted the increasing number of women innovators and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all participants. By prioritizing the inclusion of underrepresented groups, Innovate UK is ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and ideas are brought to the table. To prepare women and youth for active participation in innovation, Naidoo highlighted the importance of early preparation and mentorship. Innovate UK has been actively working with women innovators to upskill and mentor them before funding opportunities arise, ensuring they are well-prepared to seize these opportunities when they become available. In conclusion, Naidoo emphasized the proactive approach taken by Innovate UK to nurture and support innovators, particularly women and youth, in driving forward water innovations in South Africa. By fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and early preparation, Innovate UK is paving the way for impactful and sustainable solutions to address the water challenges facing the country and the continent.