The Innovators

The Innovators

For innovators: We are the catalyst for your creativity - Propella helps IT and manufacturing innovators and entreprenuers to go from zero to hero.


Ventures
I have an idea, what's next?
What programmes are offered?
Is my idea ready to be incubated?
Are there funding options?
Frequently Asked Questions.
How do I apply?

The Innovators

For innovators: We are the catalyst for your creativity - Propella helps IT and manufacturing innovators and entreprenuers to go from zero to hero.


Ventures
I have an idea, what's next?
What programmes are offered?
Is my idea ready to be incubated?
Are there funding options?
Frequently Asked Questions.
How do I apply?




So you have an idea?

So you have an idea?

Congrats! You're in the right place!

Propella can help you to take your product or IT solution to the market.

If your innovation can improve the lives of people living in cities around the world, we'd like to engage further but first we need to know a bit more...

What type of idea is it?

Information Communication Technology?
Industrial?

Congrats! You're in the right place!

Propella can help you to take your product or IT solution to the market.


If your innovation can improve the lives of people living in cities around the world, we'd like to engage further but first we need to know a bit more...

What type of idea is it?

Information Communication Technology?
Industrial?




Ideas Propella looks for...

Ideas Propella looks for...

  • We ideally work with businesses or business ideas that have been tested in the market and are:
  • • Disruptive (SMART, out of the ordinary thinking, unique, innovative)
  • • Appropriate
  • • Scalable
  • • Sustainable
  • • Create jobs or have the ability to create jobs
  • • Based in Nelson Mandela Bay

We look into the following sectors :

  • • Renewable Energy
  • • Energy Efficiency
  • • Circular Economy
  • • Advanced Manufacturing
  • • Maritime
  • • Internet of Things (IoT) / Smart City Solutions
  • We ideally work with businesses or business ideas that have been tested in the market and are:
  • • Disruptive (SMART, out of the ordinary thinking, unique, innovative)
  • • Appropriate
  • • Scalable
  • • Sustainable
  • • Create jobs or have the ability to create jobs
  • • Based in Nelson Mandela Bay

We look into the following sectors :

  • • Renewable Energy
  • • Energy Efficiency
  • • Circular Economy
  • • Advanced Manufacturing
  • • Maritime
  • • Internet of Things (IoT) / Smart City Solutions




Programmes

Programmes

Which programme would you like to know more about?

Technology Innovation Programme
Propella Industrial Programme

Which programme would you like to know more about?

Technology Innovation Programme Futured by BCX
Propella Industrial Programme




ICT Hub

ICT Hub

Technology Innovation Programme

The Technology Innovation Programme is an intensive "from concept to market" programme run by Propella Business Incubator for ICT entrepreneurs. The programme is completely virtual and open to entrepreneurs throughout South Africa.

  • • You need a great idea and some determination
  • • The idea can be an app, software, service, or an IT application
  • • Idea must fit into the scope of ICT
  • • Top 100 applications are selected to take part in a 2-day Virtual ICT Bootcamp
  • • No cost or fees to participate in the Virtual ICT Bootcamp
  • • The Propella Virtual ICT Bootcamp is an intensive full day programme over a 2-day period
  • • After the Virtual ICT Bootcamp submit a pitch video and convince the panel that your tech idea has potential to turn into a viable startup to progress to the next stage
  • • You will be expected to invest at least eight hours a week in Propella business development workshops, and even longer doing your research and groundwork.

Be sure to bookmark this page to return regularly to apply for the next Technology Innovation Programme. Applications open at the start of each year, so be sure to keep visiting the site for dates.


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Technology Innovation Programme

The Technology Innovation Programme is an intensive "from concept to market" programme run by Propella Business Incubator for ICT entrepreneurs. The programme is completely virtual and open to entrepreneurs throughout South Africa.

To successfully take part in the ICT Programme take note of the tips below:

  • • You need a great idea and some determination
  • • An app, a service or an IT application that no-one else has thought of yet or requires help to commercialise and scale
  • • Idea must fit into the operations of a Smart City or Community, such as Industry 4.0, IoT, etc.
  • • Approximately 100 ventures are selected to attend a three day Stage 1 “Bootcamp”
  • • No cost to participate
  • • But there are also no free lunches – you will be expected to invest at least eight hours a week in Propella workshops, and even longer doing your research and groundwork.
  • • Convince the panel that your idea has potential to turn into a business to become one of the 10 ventures who progress to Stage 2
  • • Stage 2 is eight weeks on a business incubation journey to validate and prove that it’s a viable opportunity.
  • • Crack the nod for Stage 3 for an additional three months of business acceleration to obtain your first revenue paying customer.

This is the chance you've been looking for to make your big idea a reality.

Be sure to bookmark this page and to return regularly to apply for the next ICT adventure. Applications open every few months, so you need to keep visiting the site for dates.

Technology Innovation Content

Stage 1

STAGE 1

Stage 1 is Bootcamp. This is the ideation phase where the Entrepreneur joins with an idea. Where the Entrepreneur decides if Incubation is for them by orientation and a series of workshops covering the ideation phase. Progression to Stage 2 is via a panel selection.



STAGE 2

Is referred to as Pre-Incubation. At this stage, the entrepreneur will have completed the ideation process or entered the programme with market research that proves a well-defined business problem and solution and (or) product proof of concept in development and (or) pre-revenue stage. The purpose of Stage 2 is to validate the business, proving it to be a viable opportunity.


STAGE 3

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. The entrepreneur has completed their business registration and corporate identity and can now proceed on developing/building the most basic form of their product or service

STAGE 4

Revenue generation stage. At this stage the Entrepreneur has completed their market research, their MVP and are in the process of securing their first customer.

STAGE 5

Scaling. At this stage the Entrepreneur will have completed their business plan and MVP. The purpose of this Stage is to grow the business further and increase revenue generation through marketing support.

Technology Innovation Content

STAGE 1

Stage 1 is Bootcamp. This is the ideation phase where the Entrepreneur joins with an idea. Where the Entrepreneur decides if Incubation is for them by orientation and a series of workshops covering the ideation phase. Progression to Stage 2 is via a panel selection.

STAGE 2

Is referred to as Pre-Incubation. At this stage, the entrepreneur will have completed the ideation process or entered the programme with market research that proves a well-defined business problem and solution and (or) product proof of concept in development and (or) pre-revenue stage. The purpose of Stage 2 is to validate the business, proving it to be a viable opportunity.

STAGE 3

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. The entrepreneur has completed their business registration and corporate identity and can now proceed on developing/building the most basic form of their product or service.

STAGE 4

Revenue generation stage. At this stage the Entrepreneur has completed their market research, their MVP and are in the process of securing their first customer.

STAGE 5

STAGE 5

Scaling. At this stage the Entrepreneur will have completed their business plan and MVP. The purpose of this Stage is to grow the business further and increase revenue generation through marketing support.

Technology Innovation Content

Propella have positioned themselves to assist both B2E (Business to Entrepreneur) and B2B (Business to Business) applicants that are seeking assistance in developing their innovative products, processes and/or services within the following sectors:

  • • Renewable Energy
  • • Energy Efficiency
  • • Advanced Manufacturing, Automation and Industry 4.0
  • • Internet of Things
  • • Smart City solutions
  • • Maritime
  • • Agriculture
  • • Healthcare

The industrial incubator will consider applicants who already have a proof-of-concept or an early-stage prototype. Applicants are required to make an online submission on the website – Apply for the Propella Industrila Programme. Once the applications are screened internally and align to Propella’s outlined focus sectors, applicants will then be required to present their innovation to a panel.

The facility is well equipped and ideally suited for low volume production. Prototyping support facilities such as 3D printing, 3D scanning and small part machining and molding are available, together with a well-resourced workshop that has all the basic tools required for manufacturing. There is also a network of skilled technical and business support staff.


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Propella have positioned themselves to assist both B2E (Business to Entrepreneur) and B2B (Business to Business) applicants that are seeking assistance in developing their innovative products, processes and/or services within the following areas:

The industrial incubator will consider applicants who already have a proof-of-concept or an early-stage prototype. Applicants are required to make an online submission on the website –

Apply for the Propella Industrila Programme

. Once the applications are screened internally and align to Propella’s outlined focus sectors, applicants will then be required to present their innovation to a panel.

Propella offers both virtual and physical incubation services. The warehouse facility is well equipped and ideally suited to low volume production. Prototyping support facilities such as 3D printing, 3D scanning and small part machining and molding are available, together with a well-resourced workshop that has all the basic tools required for manufacturing. There is also a network of skilled technical and business support. If there are products that demonstrate great growth / market potential, Propella would also be willing to engage in ‘cash for equity’ discussions.

Industrial Content

Industrial Content

Content covered for the Propella Industrial Hub programme is determined by an in-depth diagnostic conducted on the business and technology as the entrepreneur enters the programme. A journey is charted and agreed on that best utilises the resources made available by Propella and the objective and times frames of the entrepreneur.

An advisor and mentor are assigned to the entrepreneur who also receives access to the Propella Content Platform and bi-weekly workshops offered by Propella.

The following key development stages are covered:

  • • Prototype finalisation testing and trialling
  • • Go to market preparation, and
  • • Growth scenarios, preparation and scaling of the business

Go back

Content covered for Industrial innovators is determined by an in-depth diagnostic conducted on the business and technology as the venture enters the programme. A journey is charted and agreed on that best utilises the resources made available by Propella and the objective and times frames of the innovator.

Typically, an advisor and mentor are assigned to the innovator who also receives access to the Propella Content Platform and bi-weekly workshops offered by Propella.

The following key development stages are covered over a maximum period of 3 years;





Funding Options

Funding Options

Tell me more about the fund
Question to answer before applying for TIA funding
Qualifying criteria for TIA funding
TIA Funded activities include
Activities exclude from TIA funding
How do I apply for TIA funding

Funding Options

We completely understand that start-up ventures need capital and that the “go to” for most is often the standard “Friends, Family & Fools” option. Propella assists with applications for funding through its network of government and private sector institutions.

TIA SMME Seed Fund

Propella has been contracted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to
implement to an SMME Seed Fund, aimed at assisting knowledge economy-based
SMMEs in the Eastern Cape to access bridging finance to advance their innovative
ideas to market. The monetary value of the grant funding will range from R50 000
(minimum) to R650 000 (maximum) per project.

Go back

Tell me more about the fund.
Question to answer before applying for TIA funding.
Qualifying criteria for TIA funding.
TIA Funded activities include.
Activities exclude from TIA funding.
How do I apply for TIA funding

Funding Options

We completely understand that start-up ventures need capital and that the "go to" for most is ofter the standard "Friends, Family & Fools" options. Propella assists with the application for funding through its network of government and private sector institutions.


TIA SMME Seed Fund

Propella has been contracted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to
implement to an SMME Seed Fund, aimed at assisting knowledge economy-based
SMMEs in the Eastern Cape to access bridging finance to advance their innovative
ideas to market. The monetary value of the grant funding will range from R50 000
(minimum) to R650 000 (maximum) per project.





Application Process

If I’m interested in applying what is the process?
There is a process, but it’s a quick and easy one. Take a look at the journey below.

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Application Process

Apply for IND
Apply for ICT

If I’m interested in applying what is the process?

My application has been submitted, what’s next?
There is a process, but it’s a quick and easy one. Take a look at the journey below.




OTHER FAQ'S

What does the incubation journey look like if I’m accepted?
What are the benefits of incubation?
What are the benefits of acceleration?
Do I physically need to be onsite?
Everyone talks about mentors, what do they do?
What happens once I graduate?

Incubation

Once accepted into a Propella Business Incubator entrepreneurship programme you start on a structured journey that will take you from zero to hero – or help you exit gracefully from an idea or product whose time has not yet come.

Assessment

Engeli Enterprise Development, which manages Propella, has a box of powerful tools that interrogate your business and idea to identify the strengths and weaknesses. These tools, which have been customised for Propella, are used to diagnose the state and potential of your enterprise from entrepreneurial, business case and technology perspectives.

Contract

Now that we know what needs to be done, we sign a contract whereby you, the potential business success of tomorrow, agree to certain measurable commitments. We also agree on a target date for you to be viable enough to exit the programme.

Go back





OTHER FAQ'S

What does the incubation journey look like if I’m accepted?
What are the benefits of incubation?
What are the benefits of acceleration?
Do I physically need to be onsite?
Everyone talks about mentors, what do they do?
Who are the mentors who work with Propella?
What happens once I graduate?

Incubation

Once accepted into a Propella Business Incubator entrepreneurship programme you start on a structured journey that will take you from zero to hero – or help you exit gracefully from an idea or product whose time has not yet come.

Assessment

Engeli Enterprise Development, which manages Propella, has a box of powerful tools that interrogate your business and idea to identify the strengths and weaknesses. These tools, which have been customised for Propella, are used to diagnose the state and potential of your enterprise from entrepreneurial, business case and technology perspectives.

Contract

Now that we know what needs to be done, we sign a contract whereby you, the potential business success of tomorrow, agree to certain measurable commitments. We also agree on a target date for you to be viable enough to exit the programme.

Go back