We're proud to announce the launch of our first pre-incubator programme, GenesisBloc. The Hub designed this ground-breaking initiative to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs by transforming innovative blockchain concepts into thriving businesses. GenesisBloc provides a unique launchpad for startups, igniting the flames of innovation and entrepreneurship.

In collaboration with SENSE, facilitated by the Swiss Embassy, the programme spans from August 2023 to June 2024. This 10-month pre-incubation journey is dedicated to supporting and enabling the success of up to four student-led innovation projects.

We invited participants who wished to continue refining their hackathon ideas and turn them into viable products to apply for the GenesisBloc programme. As part of the FinHub Hack Series, the Hackathon was uniquely Web 3.0-focused and fostered an environment for participants to develop sustainable blockchain solutions. The first series, themed Blockchain for Sustainability: Hacking Solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aligned with the global agenda to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. The series supports innovative approaches to achieving the SDGs by recognising blockchain's potential in enhancing transparency, security, and accountability.

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This cohort includes:

Tata-iMali: A blockchain micro-finance platform to offer affordable micro-credit in underserved African communities. It employs a FIAT-backed South African Rand stablecoin for efficient and transparent fund distribution.

TruTec's FairChance: An Algorand blockchain-based solution ensuring integrity and authenticity in justice systems. It extends to sectors like insurance and healthcare, fostering trust and preventing fraud.

Procurelink: A blockchain-powered procurement platform addressing transparency, efficiency, and collaboration in procurement processes. It leverages smart contracts for secure and streamlined transactions, reshaping procurement practices.

Torquinox: A blockchain-backed voting system using smart contracts for secure and transparent elections. This innovation aims to transform the African electoral systems, ensuring integrity and confidence in the democratic process.

GenesisBloc is more than a programme; it's a movement. It's a space on the UCT campus dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial exploration beyond traditional academic settings. This incubator creates forums for idea exchange, connecting students with startups, experts, mentors, and collaborators. It's a community where resources and physical space coalesce to nurture effective entrepreneurial growth.

GenesisBloc is strategically designed to transition academic excellence into practical, market-ready innovation. Through GenesisBloc, we aim to empower student entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, resources, and support to develop and commercialise their blockchain solutions. This programme will assist them in validating ideas, developing business plans, and identifying potential customers, users, and investors.

GenesisBloc marks a significant milestone in our commitment to harnessing blockchain technology for impactful and sustainable solutions. It embodies our dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs poised to revolutionise the blockchain landscape.

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