The Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) team is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with the Alphawave Group, which will sponsor a R15,000 prize for the top Technological Entrepreneurship student in 2024. This prestigious award, backed by one of South Africa’s most innovative companies, underscores the growing synergy between technology and entrepreneurship in shaping the future of business.

Dr. Frans Meyer, CEO of the Alphawave Group commented that “at Alphawave, entrepreneurship and technology lie at the heart of our portfolio of 16 innovative companies. We are always eager to support and motivate entrepreneurship in South Africa and to inspire like-minded individuals to pursue their ideas.”

The Technological Entrepreneurship module, for which this coveted prize will be awarded, is a 15-week elective offered in the second year of the MEM programme. While it may seem tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, the module’s reach is far broader. Developed by Dr. Coen Bester, a renowned and successful tech entrepreneur, this course is designed to empower a diverse group of students—whether they are aiming to launch their own ventures, contribute to start-ups, or drive innovation within larger organizations.

Guided by Dr. Bester’s expertise, students are challenged to develop comprehensive business models for technology-based start-ups or ventures, culminating in the Technological Entrepreneurship pitch competition. This immersive experience not only equips students with the tools they need to succeed but also positions them at the forefront of innovation.

Prof. Taryn Bond-Barnard, the MEM’s Academic Coordinator, expressed her sincere gratitude to Alphawave for their generous sponsorship, praising the company’s invaluable contribution to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial engineering managers in South Africa and beyond. She added that their support will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the Technological Entrepreneurship students to strive for excellence and reach new heights in their careers.

We are proud to celebrate Alphawave’s significant contribution to enriching the educational journey of our students. With such partnerships, the MEM programme continues to lead the way in engineering management, empowering talented engineers and scientists to shape the future—not just for themselves or the companies they will create or work for, but for society as a whole.