Pro-Ventures
Africa’s First & Worlds First Innovations
ErgoSeat
Founder: Barend Jacobus (Berno) Stander
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.
Prosthetic Engineering Technologies
Founder: Luvuyo Sume
Luvuyo Sume, an amputee and production engineer, co-founded Prosthetic Engineering Technologies (PET) with Riaan Knight, a certified prosthetist. Their mission is to make high-quality prosthetics accessible to everyone. They created South Africa's first locally made silicone liner, which is more durable, hygienic, and affordable than imports, benefiting underserved amputees. Their work has gained recognition, including funding from the SAB Foundation, aiding PET's growth and plans for regulatory approvals and international expansion.
Innovative Dental Solutions
Founder: Raulph Meintjies
Ralph Mentjies, a qualified dental technologist, developed a smart silicone-based gum guard for impact sports at Propella Business Incubator. This innovative device features sensors to measure impact force and angle, providing vital data on head trauma. Ralph's work could transform athlete safety and concussion management by offering real-time insights for coaches and medical teams. This gum guard, registered with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), represents Africa's first dental mouthguard, promoting safer participation in high-contact sports.
MechaTech Engineering Solutions
Founders: Thabelo Makgapole Mohlala, Cullen Gilfillan, Lloyd Ernest Horrmann and Alexander Stuart Macfarlane
Co-founded by Thabelo Mohlala, Cullen Gilfillan, Alex, and Loylld Horrmann, MechaTech Engineering Solutions is pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation. As an incubatee of Propella Business Incubator, the team has pioneered cement 3D-printing technologies that bring precision, speed, and cost-efficiency to construction and infrastructure projects. With Propella's support, MechaTech has been able to prototype, refine, and showcase its disruptive solutions, positioning the venture as a rising leader in the advanced manufacturing sector. Their work demonstrates how young innovators can deliver practical, scalable technologies that address real-world challenges while driving industrial transformation in South Africa and beyond.
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