Calling all energy sector technology disruptors and start-ups to African Utility Week's Initiate!

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Feb. 28, 2020 - PRLog -- "Initiate! has proven to be a powerful platform for new talent and innovation in the power and energy sector and this year's edition in Cape Town in May during African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, will once again not disappoint. Watch this space: we'll celebrate the new decade of 2020 by introducing 20 exciting SMMEs during the 20th edition of the event!" This is according to Nazlee Fredericks, head of the Initiate! programme, which will take place as part of this year's African Utility Week & POWERGEN Africa at the CTICC in Cape Town from 24-26 November 2020.

"Initiate! is the beating heart of innovation and the very essence of African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa" an energetic Nazlee explains, adding: it's part of a global movement that breeds talent, empowers next-gen energy entrepreneurs and creates impactful programmes to move our industry forward. Founded in 2014, it brings together startups, graduate students, corporate executives, public sector innovators and investors from around the world."

"We are dedicated to accelerating change and growth within the global power and energy industry" she enthuses, "and high-potential students and SMMEs have the opportunity to play a part in this inevitable change. Initiate! assists in bridging the gap in the industry by creating a platform allowing the industry's future leaders, innovators and stakeholders to connect and be part of creating a sustainable power and energy ecosystem."

Initiate! Young Talent Challenge
Last year, four university teams also participated in the first Initiate! Young Talent Challenge to take place in Africa. The team of students from Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya won the ZAR20,000 in prize money for an innovative concept to provide equitable energy access to remote villages based on, among others, 'Uber(ising)' solar energy.

Enel Foundation as Global Knowledge Partner
The Enel Foundation, which earlier this month hosted the initial stage of Open Africa Power 2020 Programme at the University of Cape Town, is Initiate!'s Global Knowledge Partner. Says João Duarte, Deputy Director of Enel Foundation: "Initiate! provides a great platform to bridge the gap between the energy industry and young generations, both in the academia and research space as well as the innovation and start-up space."

Application for SMMEs and students
SMMEs and students who believe they have what it takes in the sphere of innovative tech or service solutions for the energy and power sectors, can apply online to be part of Initiate!

Dates for Initiate! @ African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa:
Conference and expo: 24-26 November 2020
Location: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa
https://www.african-utility-week.com/whats-on/initiate