About
Tuksnovation
TuksNovation is a non-profit technology business incubator and accelerator, located at the University of Pretoria.
Igniting innovation through collaborative growth
TuksNovation provides ventures with specialised product and business development support throughout their growth journeys by assisting entrepreneurs to refine technologies and validate business models for the relevant markets.
Our programmes enable ventures to commercialise innovative technology into new sustainable enterprises with social and economic impact.
We create an ecosystem that fosters innovation by connecting science and technology innovators with corporates, academics and government.
Mission
We provide innovative business incubation and acceleration services to develop and commercialise innovative technology into new sustainable enterprises with social and economic impact in South Africa, and in doing so we lower the risk for both innovators and investors.
Vision
We aim to be a leading facilitator of an innovation ecosystem that catalyses the acceleration of technology into sustainable new enterprises.
Perfomance overview
Tech Startup companies
supported
venture revenue
in-kind investments
Students trained
founders supported
Ventures in accelaration
programme
Current resident
tech startups
Entrepreneurship events
hosted in-house
Partnerships
Spin-out ventures
supported
Our team
Governance
Prof Sunil Maharaj
Dr Elmar de Wet
Mr Naeem Moolla
Adv Lawrence Baloyi
Prof Alexander Antonites
Ms Leago Takalani
operational management
Phindile Tshabangu
Centre Manager
Phindile is an accomplished Executive and entrepreneur with a professional industry experience spanning 25 years across manufacturing (petrochemical and industrial gases sectors), technology transfer, business and technology incubation. He has a Chemical Engineering background and a post graduate Technology Management degree from the University of Pretoria. As a previous Executive Chairman of the Southern African Business and Technology Incubation Association (SABTIA), Phindile has been instrumental in shaping the agenda of business and technology incubation for over two decades at a strategic and operational level. Phindile originates from Pretoria and joined Tuksnovation in June 2021 after spending 12 years in Cape Town, and brought a wealth of experience from the mature startup and innovation ecosystem.
Busiswa Gama
Finance and Administration Officer
Busiswa Gama is currently responsible for financial management and daily administration at TuksNovation. Ms Gama holds a B-Tech in Quality and a National Diploma in Internal Auditing. Her experience in finance and administration and enthusiastic approach ensures effective financial management and smooth operations within the organisation. Ms Gama recently enrolled for Post-graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria.
Matete Phala
Marketing and Programmes Coordinator
Matete Phala is a passionate communicator, cultural strategist, and programmes coordinator with a robust academic background and over a decade of experience across the creative, cultural, and academic sectors. They hold a BA (Drama), a BA Honours in Drama and Film Studies (Cum Laude), and a Master’s in Visual Cultural Studies from the University of Pretoria.
Matete’s career spans lecturing, events management, research, content development, and creative direction. At TuksNovation, Matete coordinates the marketing and programmes efforts—ensuring seamless delivery, brand alignment, stakeholder engagement, and visibility across initiatives. Their unique ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives and organised systems makes them an asset in curating high-impact programming and communication strategies.
Matete also sits on the Vlakplaas Indigenous Healing and Reconciliation Memorial Centre committee where they head the Marketing, Events, PR and Communications.