By Business Reporter
Sanlam and NBII (Namibia Business Innovation Institute) has announced the winner of the Sanlam Innovation Works Project which was launched last year.
OMIG Technology scooped the award as the winner of the first edition of the Sanlam Innovation Works Project. OMIG Technology combines strategic thinking and emerging technologies to provide innovative solutions that consistently break new ground.
Sanlam senior marketing and communications consultant Ilke Platt Akwenye shared her joy to see the newly launched project reach its final stage with so much anticipation.
“Today, after a year of bonding and mentoring we are so proud to see how our Top 5 entrepreneurs have matured and developed greatly. We believe with this initiative, we not only helped to start-up businesses, but will also helped to develop new technologies and equip workers with the skills, competencies and ability to master different techniques,” she said.
Sanlam Innovation Works project provided a public platform and funding for small-scale projects at the early-stage developments that address key issues in innovation. Many submissions were received and only 5 were selected including the following companies, Education Consultancy, M&O Décor, Tses Healthy Herbs, OMIG Technologies and Level 27. All companies ranged from education services, IT, Décor and medicines which were well received at Sanlams recent Open Day which took place at the Polytechnic of Namibia last month. Each Top 5 team received an amount of $20,000 to start up their businesses and an additional $20,000 was awarded to the final winner OMIG technology.
Speaking at the awards ceremony on behalf of Rector of Polytechnic of Namibia, Prof Tjama Tjivikua, Special Advisor to the Rector Prof Errol Tyobeka thanked all involved in this noble initiative.
“The launch of Sanlam’s Innovation Works project, provided a great moment for all of us, and I believe we should be fully aware of what it stands for. Namibia Business Innovation institute is well embedded in Namibia’s vision 2030 and with its subsequent National development plans; we have so far provide the necessary training and skill through competent staff that specialize in the identified fields.
With these two main components our working relationship has seen fruits after a whole year of ups, downs but most importantly skills learnt in the process,” he added.
Platt Akwenye at the same occasion mentioned that Sanlam and NBII will this year still open entries for the second edition of Sanlam Innovation Works and urged entrepreneurs that missed out last year to take part and allow themselves the opportunity provided by both institutions. Upcoming entrepreneurs who struggle to pen their business proposals are also encouraged to join an “open day workshop” which will be facilitated by NBII.
Mentors of the Top 5 entrepreneurs Bernice Karuhumba and Julius Andima thanked all of the participants for their dedication, commitment perseverance throughout the first trial project.
“This was not an easy path for us as mentors and them as participants. We will continue to monitor these vibrant go getters and check on them next year this time when we announce the next winner of the Sanlam Innovation Works Project,” Karuhumba noted when handing over the award to this years’ winners.
Aitkens Mainga and Ivan Limbo of OMIG Technology thanked Sanlam, Polytechnic of Namibia and NBII for their support, platform provided to allow them to grow and ensured that their drive would not end after the project.
“We will continue to grow our business as young entrepreneurs and allow ourselves to learn from every challenge. We had a few failures but we managed to get back up and become wiser through this process,” they smiled.