The Solution Space at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) is your gateway to entrepreneurship, innovation, and research, providing a nexus between business and academia and bridging historic divides with learning spaces in the V&A Waterfront and across town in Philippi, at the heart of an actively engaged local community.
We are your partner in progress, providing essential resources, support, and solutions for both high-impact early-stage start-ups and corporate innovation. Solution Space helps nurture and build innovation capacity and offers entrepreneurship training and support to foster growth in this dynamic sector.
Solution Space was founded in 2014 at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business with initial capital support from the Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Award. In 2015 the MTN Group became our founding partner. In 2020 ayoba, a subsidiary of MTN, became our primary funder. Our journey began at our Waterfront hub, where we remain rooted to this day.
In 2016 we expanded our reach with the establishment of an additional workspace in Philippi Village, a mixed-use entrepreneurial hub. As a founding tenant we have created a vital centre for information access, entrepreneurial support, and skills development. Our unwavering focus on youth development and entrepreneurship has led to fruitful collaborations with diverse stakeholders.
Bridging the digital skills gap by equipping young people with software and web development skills.
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A venture acceleration and capacity-building programme for high-impact individuals and teams.
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Bridging global perspectives with local challenges to create impactful, community-driven solutions in Philippi.
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Empowering participants to design solutions for real-world, resource-constrained issues.
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From beginners to seasoned innovators, we provide tailored workshops for entrepreneurial success.
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Unlock a world of learning with UCT Summer School, where diverse short courses inspire curiosity and lifelong growth.
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Driving health-focused innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable community well-being.
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Inspiring and equipping NEET youth with entrepreneurial skills to create social impact.
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Our founders are at the forefront of building viable and scalable innovation-driven ventures that address local, national, and international needs. They gain access to a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, including vibrant co-working spaces, expert mentorship, industry networks, and a dynamic community of peers with whom to collaborate, learn, and grow.
With hubs at the V&A Waterfront and Philippi Village, we are rooted in communities where start-ups thrive alongside partner organisations, global students, and local entrepreneurs in a vibrant collaboration network.
We empower founders who are driving a sustainable Africa by developing solutions across diverse sectors, including Education & Skills Development, Health & Wellbeing, Urban Infrastructure, Agriculture & Environment, Financial Services, Job Creation & Enterprise, Recreation & Lifestyle, and Mobility & Communication.
