The Youth Innovation Challenge is an annual programme of Innovate Durban, held in partnership with various organisations. The purpose of the Innovation Challenge is to create a platform for innovation to thrive in eThekwini by empowering the citizens â€" particularly the youth - to become innovative in their communities and in business.

This should lead to economic growth and job creation. The partners in this event are Innovate Durban, eThekwini Municipality, The Sustainable Enterprise Development Facility for South Africa (SEDF), Oracle, LifeCo UnLtd and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The challenge consists of:

• Codefest: The five day programme for 100 successful applicants aims at equipping youth with the skills to develop mobile applications to solve business challenges enterPRIZE Challenge: Participants of the Codefest are invited to apply for the second leg of the competition by presenting sound ICT business ideas for funding and support
• Innovation Summit is a platform for youth and business to share insights and ideas to grow innovation in the region.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala said that the City is honoured to have partnered with prominent companies to share their experiences and successes with our youth.

“It is in such platforms where young people can learn and be empowered to become successful entrepreneurs. Innovation and entrepreneurship forms a primary pillar in ensuring radical economic transformation.” said Shabalala.