The Genesis Project at UCT
The Genesis Project is an innovative honours-level entrepreneurship programme at UCT, designed to empower students to move beyond traditional case-based study and build real ventures under expert mentorship.
Over the course of the programme, students form teams, identify a business idea, build prototypes, raise start-up capital and take their ventures to launch, culminating in an annual “Launch & Expo” event showcasing the emerging start-ups. news.uct.ac.za+2SnapScan Blog+2
Key features include:
- A true “business-in-the-making” model: each team actually starts a business, rather than just simulating one. edhe.co.za+1
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry partners working alongside the students. SnapScan Blog
- A strong focus on addressing real-world challenges — socially, economically and environmentally — in the South African context. SnapScan Blog
- A public showcase/expo where student ventures are launched and presented to industry, investors and the wider community. news.uct.ac.za+1
For participants in our joint collaboration (with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences), the Genesis Project provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, build cross-cultural experience, apply innovation methods and connect with peers from the Global South.
We invite you to follow the programme and its current student start-ups on Instagram: @UCTGenesisProject (link the exact handle as appropriate).
Additionally, you can learn more about the programme, past projects and how the student teams operate via the official website: genesisproject.co.za and UCT’s news pages detailing annual expos and venture creation.
