03/08/2026
RISP 6th ANNUAL REGIONAL INNOVATION FORUM 2026 — A LOOK BACK
The Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP)—hosted by the CSIR and mandated by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)—brought together innovators, mentors, partners and sponsors from across South Africa for our 6th Annual Regional Innovation Forum. Two days of learning, dialogue and celebration. Here's a look back:
DAY 1 — LEARNING & DIALOGUE
+ The IP Awareness Panel, facilitated by Sunita Kalan, featured Jetane Charsley, Tumelo Mashabela, and Dheepak Maharajh—unpacking why building IP awareness matters for early-stage innovators and emerging innovation ecosystems.
+ Voices of Our Past Winners Facilitated by Jayesh Ravjee (MBA): Former Regional Innovation Challenge (RIC) winners reflected on their journeys since the Challenge began in 2023—the milestones, the challenges, and the resilience behind every innovation story.
+ Building Inclusive Regional Ecosystems Nare Thomas Mashamaite, Senior Project Manager in the RISP PMU, facilitated a panel of Regional Innovation Networking Platform (RINP) Leads from across the country, sharing practical, on-the-ground lessons on building innovation ecosystems in underserved communities.
+ The Chai Dialogues with Jayesh Our signature conversation series (launched in 2025) welcomed Prof Linda Godfrey for an honest, thought-provoking discussion on the Circular Economy and the leadership it takes to drive meaningful change.
+ From Policy to Impact Sunita Kalan sat down with Associate Prof Geci Karuri-Sebina (Wits Southern Centre for Inequality Studies) for a timely reminder: meaningful change isn't achieved through policy alone; it takes committed partnerships, shared learning and sustained implementation.
DAY 2 — CELEBRATION & COMPETITION
+ Opening Remarks Mr Bongani Memela, Interim Executive Manager: CSIR Hosted National Programmes, welcomed delegates back on Day 2, reflecting on Day 1's momentum and reaffirming RISP's role in expanding South Africa's spatial footprint of innovation.
+ The Chai Dialogues, Part II Jayesh Ravjee was joined by Sipho Ngcai, SEDFA Group Executive: Business Development Support, for a candid conversation on the realities and opportunities within South Africa's SMME environment.
+ The Main Event: The Regional Innovation Challenge (RIC) On 21 July 2026, innovators from across South Africa took to the stage to pitch ground-breaking solutions to real-world challenges, competing for R150 000, R100 000 or R25 000 in innovation support. Every finalist gave it their all, showcasing brilliant ideas with real potential for impact.
From IP strategy to inclusive ecosystem-building to the innovators shaping South Africa's future—this Forum was a true celebration of what's possible when regional innovation systems work together.
A huge thank you to every speaker, panellist, finalist, partner and sponsor who made this year's Forum a resounding success. Here's to another year of turning ideas into impact!
