The University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (UMPCFERI) team was awarded the first price in the Health and Wellness category at the University Incubator Consortium (UNIIC) Ideathon.
The ceremony took place from May 27-28 in Palawan, Philippines.
The Ideathon Competition is an international competition organised by UNIIC. It is a forum comprising of 17 universities based in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and South Africa.
ABOUT University Incubator Consortium (UNIIC) Ideathon:
This technology-based business idea competition has five categories: Smart Cities, Climate Action, Food Innovation, Agriculture, and Health and Wellness.
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The UMPCFERI multidisciplinary team presented a business idea focussing converting ripe mangoes into dried mango snack, by products (leaves, seeds & peels) into compost.
This would in turn reduce the overripening and rotting of mangoes thus reducing food waste and enhancing food security. As a result, international mentors have been appointed to support the UMPCFERI team. In the process of implementing the idea as a viable business venture.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the award at UMP, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso hailed the team’s dedication, discipline, and professionalism.
“Your work is a true reflection of our graduate attributes. This requires one to be resourceful, responsive, and responsible. You have demonstrated traits of greatness. May you continue to make us proud as the UMP community,” said Prof Mayekiso.
