Pictured: DUT and innobiz participants join SUT executives for a photo

The Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) Global Entrepreneurship Camp brought together 14 universities from 14 countries, including South Africa’s DUT, Thailand’s SUT, Vietnam, and Oman. Hosted at SUT’s Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy from 8-18 January 2025, the camp provided a platform for international collaboration on transformative innovation and entrepreneurship.

Themed “Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People,” the camp aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 11, 13, and 15. It offered student entrepreneurs exposure to Thailand’s technology, innovation, and startup ecosystem through study tours, immersing them in the country’s cities, culture, and business opportunities.

The Thailand trip provided student entrepreneurs with invaluable cross-cultural entrepreneurial experience.  As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola explained, this experience will empower them to identify societal challenges, develop solutions, and ultimately contribute to the economy.

Collaboration and Partnerships: A Pillar of Entrepreneurial Growth

Professor Nemavhola emphasized the critical role of partnerships in supporting these entrepreneurial initiatives. “Like any other university, we recognize the importance of collaboration. We have partnerships across the globe, including within South Africa with universities, SETAs, and industries. Our reach extends to other African nations like Ghana and Congo, and internationally, we have established partnerships in Europe, America, Asia, and India”.

innobiz Centre Manager, Ms. Nontokozo Ngcobo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how such bootcamps align with DUT’s philosophy of education. “This camp fosters creativity and innovation, shaping adaptive graduates ready to transform society. It nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset and highlights the critical role of innovation in today’s global economy.”

Key Learning Areas and Expert Contributions

This year’s camp stood out for its strong focus on the SDGs, particularly in areas such as Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Life on Land. The curriculum is integrated into practical workshops and expert-led sessions designed to deepen students’ understanding of these themes.

The caliber of mentors and speakers was exceptional, including inspiring figures such as SUT’s Vice-Rector for Engagement, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, and Mr. Radtasiri Wachirapunyanont. Their sessions provided practical strategies for customer acquisition, retention, and business scalability.

Innovative Student Projects: A Testament to Entrepreneurial Growth

A standout moment was the presentation of innovative projects by DUT’s student entrepreneurs. Luyanda Majozi’s medical tourism application, designed to address South Africa’s shortage of medical professionals, exemplified the camp’s impact on fostering problem-solving skills.

Ms. Ngcobo noted key takeaways for innobiz DUT’s future prorgamme: “The bootcamp’s blend of theoretical learning and hands-on exercises reinforced the importance of practical application and structured mentorship. These are key elements we aim to integrate into our programme.”

At the culmination of the group’s first week in the Thai capital, the student entrepreneurs engaged in sessions looking to refine aspects such as value proposition, market opportunity and unfair advantage, customer acquisition, revenue models and cost structure. DUT is on the path to becoming a fully entrepreneurial university. The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 serves as a valuable resource, offering insights from entrepreneurial experts that can help accelerate this journey.  

Entrepreneurial Insights from Participants

Among those who benefitted from the wealth of knowledge was innobiz incubatee Mrs. Londiwe Gumede, the founder and owner of Pikankani Ceilings. She emphasized, “I learned the importance of infusing my Zulu culture into my business ventures to create a unique global presence. This, along with a focus on sustainability, is key to success”

Pictured: “Ms. Nontokozo Ngcobo, innobiz Centre Manager.

Similarly, Banathi Sihonqo, founder of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic, described his time in Southeast Asia as “truly amazing.”  He noted that the workshops and interactions with international student entrepreneurs provided a wealth of information beneficial to his business.  “I’ve noticed that the people here in Thailand are truly community-driven,” Sihonqo explained. “They adapt to daily challenges and turn them into opportunities, balancing profit with positive community impact”.

Developing a Competitive Edge through Business Pitching

At the tail end of the camp, the student entrepreneurs participated in an interactive business pitching workshop aimed at further sharpening their business pitching skills to potential investors. The session focused on pitch presentations that student entrepreneurs had prepared during the camp. Each entrepreneur delivered thoughtful remarks that aligned well with the theme of this year’s event. The judges were pleased with the overall quality of the presentations and provided valuable critiques to enhance the entrepreneurs’ efforts further.

Lars Andersson, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Facilitator at SUT, said that the significance of the pitching presentations was to help entrepreneurs understand the customer problem at a higher level than a general one. 

“If you do not do that you will not have a customer and if you do not have a customer, you do not have revenue. 

“Part of that process is to understand that there are existing solutions, and what will make people change from existing solutions? In everything we do we have solutions, so what will make people change the solutions they’re using today and pick your solution over those?” Mr. Andersson remarked. 

The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp not only equipped participants with essential skills but also ignited a passion for sustainable innovation, fostering a global network of changemakers dedicated to improving their communities.

The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support of DUT, innobiz DUT, Suranaree University of Technology, and SEDA, as well as all other contributors.  We are especially grateful to the facilitators, whose unwavering dedication and guidance have made a profound impact on our student entrepreneurs as they embark on their journeys toward serial entrepreneurship.

Author: Khonzinkosi Magcaba

Photography: Khonzinkosi Magcaba and SUT Media Team