Third-year student in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Applications Development, Liyema Swartbooi, has made SPU proud by securing a top spot in the French Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) AI and Blue Tech Incubation Programme, in partnership with the French Embassy to South Africa. His enterprise project, GaiaNova, focuses on leveraging AI to address environmental and socio-economic challenges through scalable technology solutions.
Liyema, alongside teammates Paul Kruger (third-year ICT in Applications Development) and Hailey Bailey (third-year Bachelor of Education), competed in the AI category, mentored by Ms Eva Mamabolo, a Lecturer in Information Technology at SPU. Their innovative approach earned Liyema a place among the Top 7 national finalists, leading to his selection as one of the three winners in the AI category after presenting in February.
As a reward, the team has been granted a six-month virtual incubation programme with international partners, providing strategic innovation support, business model development, technical assistance, investor readiness training, and funding opportunities. They plan to use this period to refine their solution, solidify product-market fit, and explore strategic partnerships.
Liyema credits his success to the support from SPU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Research (CEDAR) and the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. “This competition reinforced the role of AI and Blue-Tech in solving global challenges and strengthened my commitment to driving meaningful change. The support from SPU and my mentors has been invaluable.”
Mr Chad Lucas, Economic Activation Officer at CEDAR, commended Liyema’s achievement, stating, “Liyema has the potential to be a game-changing entrepreneur, with ideas that could reshape industries and positively impact lives. His dedication and innovative mindset make him an inspiring mentor for future entrepreneurs.”
We wish GaiaNova continued success on their journey to making a lasting impact.
