Port Elizabeth‘s information and communication technology innovation hub is now officially “off the ground” following the recent appointment of a steering committee.

The hub‘s newly appointed chief executive, Pepsi Mtiya, said last week that the committee, which would advise on the development of the project, consisted of various public and private stakeholders.

They include the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Seda, Volkswagen SA, Nafcoc, and Percci.

It will be chaired by the municipality‘s economic development, tourism and agriculture unit.

“All the structures are in place,” Mtiya said.

The aim of the innovation hub is to act as an incubator for start-up businesses in the ICT industry and is linked with the broader Eastern Cape ICT initiative.

The concept was first put forward in East London last year, with funding and support coming from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.

Mtiya said an appropriate site was now being sought.

“Various sites in Port Elizabeth have been identified, but none has yet been chosen.”

The site would provide accommodation, infrastructure (including broadband access), business planning, and venture capital support for new ICT businesses.

The municipality‘s main aim is to turn it into a thriving centre of ICT innovation by supporting and promoting new businesses run by entrepreneurs, university graduates and SMMEs.

A total of R9-million has been committed to the project from the government‘s innovation development and support body, Godisa.

The municipality announced plans in April at the Nelson Mandela Bay ICT Summit to create an overarching ICT strategy.

A follow-up workshop will be held this Thursday at the Willows resort at which the municipality will meet IT experts to finalise the strategy.