The first prize winning team that proposed an AI-driven app called TECH MAID FOR WOMEN to assist and provide women with the support they need in a male-dominated sector. With them is Dr Izabeth Conradi, Manager Idea Generator (holding the cheque) and Ms Kgololo Ngowi, Lecturer and Programme Coordinator (4^th from left) 

On 25 July 2024, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) ignited a powerful platform for entrepreneurs at a Women and Men in Business event at the IGYM. The event showcased the innovative minds of both students and established business leaders.

Ms Christel Basson, a Marketing Manager at OVK, an agricultural company in the Eastern Free State, was a key figure at the event. Her speech demonstrated the importance of women in business and the crucial role men play in supporting their success. Drawing from her personal experiences in a male-dominated industry, she offered valuable insights into fostering a supportive work environment.

“I also had the great privilege of being an adjudicator. There were impressive presentations from students that specifically focused on women and how to improve their lives. Events such as these are a great initiative to nurture entrepreneurial talent and create opportunities for women,” she said.

The event was further energised by a high-stakes business pitch competition among students, with a R100 000 investment at stake. The challenge was developing a business idea that would significantly improve the lives of women in business. After intense deliberation, the judges awarded the R6 000 first prize to a team that proposed an AI-driven app called TECH MAID FOR WOMEN.

Designed to address the challenges faced by women in the construction industry, TECH MAID FOR WOMEN offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including legal and regulatory guidance, training resources, and mentorship platforms. The app aims to level the playing field by providing women with the support they need to succeed in a male-dominated sector.