What If Your Tech Idea is Just that Good?
Start Future Thinking, Today.

Propella Business Incubator is one of South Africa's leading innovation hubs, based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Established as a partnership between Nelson Mandela University and Engeli Enterprise Development, Propella focuses on supporting technology-driven startups with the potential to impact both the local and national economy.

Core Incubation and Acceleration Offering:

Nurturing Innovation ecosystems – turning concepts into market-ready solutions.
Building Regional Startup Capacity – Incubation, mentorship, and access to prototyping
Enabling Growth & Market Access – Linking startups to investors, industry partners, and markets while strengthening visibility and competitiveness through tailored business support.

ICT

Industrial

Projects

10 Years of Propella

500+

Incubated Ventures

73%

Youth Owned

2200+

Jobs Created

R100M+

Venture Turnover

81%

Black Owned

75%

Success
Post-Incubation

7040+

Skills Development
Training
Participants

140+

Supported
Companies to Obtain
Funding

106+

Nelson Mandela
University
Students/Graduates
Incubated

The Propella team with the Propella bakkie

Strategic Focus Areas

Propella works across four strategic focus areas that together build a thriving innovation ecosystem in the Eastern Cape: enterprise and supplier development, programmatic management for funders and partners, business advisory, and incubation.

Enterprise &
Supplier
Development

Programmatic
Management

Business
Advisory

Incubation

Some of our Alumni

Africa's & World's First Innovations

Propella ventures have produced Africa's and the world's first innovations in automotive ergonomics, prosthetics, sports safety and advanced manufacturing. Meet some of the founders behind them.

ErgoSeat

Dr Berno Stander, a Chiropractor from Nelson Mandela Bay and founder of ErgoSeat, developed an innovative automotive seat insert with Propella to improve posture and alleviate lower back pain. His proof-of-concept allows for personalized, automated seat adjustments based on individual spinal profiles, addressing the common issue of back pain in those who sit for extended periods. ErgoSeat has filed an international patent and is collaborating with a European automotive seat manufacturer to create bespoke seating solutions for high-end vehicles and office chairs. This innovation aims to revolutionize seat design by prioritizing spinal support over mere comfort, potentially reducing back pain globally.

Founder: Barend Jacobus (Berno) Stander

Do you need help planning your future?

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Vision

To be the "Go To", High-Tech Incubator & Accelerator for innovators & ventures delivering Smart City Solutions & Industry 4.0 Technologies.

Mission

To provide a significant entrepreneurial experience & presence in Nelson Mandela Bay where innovation and technology convergence are facilitated to create sustainable & profitable ventures, through exceptional management, leadership & infrastructure in targeted sectors.

Values

Success, Innovation & Fun

Testimonials

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Lauren van der Watt Founder & CEO

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Marshall Butler Founder & CEO

Frequently Asked Questions

New to incubation? These are the questions we hear most often from founders thinking about applying.

What is an Incubation Program?

An incubation programme supports early-stage businesses with mentorship, technical support, business development services and access to networks and funding.

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes. Tell us which programmes interest you and our team will help you find the best fit for your business stage.

What happens after the program ends?

Graduates stay part of the Propella community and alumni network, with continued access to events, opportunities and partner introductions.

Do I have to give up equity when part of Propella programs?

No. We do not require equity in exchange for resources, entrepreneurs retain full equity ownership.

Do I have to be based in Port Elizabeth?

No. Many programmes are delivered virtually, so entrepreneurs from across South Africa can take part.

More FAQ's

What If Your Tech Idea is Just that Good? Start Future Thinking, Today.