From her humble beginnings in a small Free State town to reshaping the future of technology and innovation in Africa, Anita Nel’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. On The Shapers Podcast, Anita sits down with Benjamin Shaw to recount her remarkable story – from working alongside tech pioneer Mark Shuttleworth to founding the renowned LaunchLab and establishing the University Technology Fund. Her career is a testament to resilience and adaptability, navigating a path that spans teaching, psychology and technology commercialisation.

Anita reflects on the early days of internet security, the pivotal milestones in her career and her mission to empower startups while tackling real-world challenges. She shares how she transformed Stellenbosch University’s Innovus into Africa’s leading technology transfer office, all while driving innovation in healthcare, education and society at large. Tune in as Anita explores the lessons she’s learned, the obstacles she’s overcome and her vision for Africa as a global leader in the next wave of technological advancement.

Professional Career:

• Innovus – Restructured and grew the technology transfer office into a leading institution in Africa.
• University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (Pty) Ltd – CEO.
• LaunchLab (Stellenbosch University) – Founder of the highly successful business incubator.
  • Global award for the best university-based incubator on the African continent
• Stellenbosch University – Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation.
• Mark Shuttleworth’s Thawte – Worked on a cybersecurity solution during the early days of internet technology.
• Paul Roos Gymnasium – Science and Mathematics Teacher.

Education:

• Stellenbosch University: She pursued her bachelor’s degree in science, a postgraduate diploma in education and a master’s degree in psychology.

Connect: LinkedIn

Notes:

• Chilli Festival
• Popular Mechanics
• Atomic Energy Corporation
• Here Be Dragons investment group
• CubeSpace
• Biocode