Being an entrepreneur
can be scary. We will walk
the path with you.
Entrepreneurs
Hi, nice to meet you. We’re your new Co-Founder.
More than solid theory, Stellenbosch University LaunchLab is output and impact orientated. Our driving goal is to give your business the highest probability for success. We make this happen through our various incubation programs, providing access to a robust network of connections, creating an immersive, supportive community and rolling up our sleeves to work directly with your team.
Why entrepreneurs choose us
UBI’s Top Challenger in Africa 2017-2018 and 2019-2020
Proven, passionate team of entrepreneurs with extensive, real-world venture building experience
Proudly African: we embody the continent’s spirit, resilience and tenacity
Supportive community of local and international startups focused on changing the world
World-class company building programme, giving entrepreneurs the knowledge, support and environment, plus plugging the necessary gaps to enable sustainable success
Access to over 30,000 academics, subject matter experts, volunteers and mentors from Stellenbosch University
Cultivated connections to corporates, commercial partners, industry organisations and alumni to help grow your business
Directly linked to South Africa’s #1 research University
Incredible location: situated in the heart of South Africa’s beautiful winelands region with unparalleled natural beauty and access to outdoor activities just minutes from TechnoPark
Proven track record of success having incubated over 200+ companies
A dedicated focus to building something that matters across Agri-Tech, Climate & Health
Our world-shaping focus
Our mission is to transform seemingly impossible ideas into world-shaping businesses
We are also dedicated to provide everyone with access to entrepreneurial tools that will make you a better co-worker, parent, innovator & member of the community. We aim to be the place where the world’s creatives, techies, tinkerers and big thinkers come together to tackle critical subjects across Agri-Tech, Climate & Health.
If you’re inspired to mold the future in a sustainable, mission driven manner then we want to speak with you.
Full Programme Calendar
We offer many other ways for entrepreneurs, innovators, organisations and startups to learn entrepreneurism and grow their organisation into world-shaping businesses:
Countdown: Business Validation
8-week Design Thinking program to answer the important question, “I have an idea but is it a business?”
This programme is open for all businesses and individuals.
The cost per team is $1,250 USD or around R20,000 but we will do our best to meet entrepreneur’s ability to pay
Application close: 15 Dec 2020
Programme start: Feb 2021
Lift-Off: Business Growth
“I have a business that needs to grow.”
This is a 22-week course tailored to the micro and small enterprise market. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer or innovative entrepreneur then this course will help you grow your business.
The cost per team is $2,500 USD or around R40,000 but we will do our best to meet entrepreneur’s ability to pay.
Application close: 15 Dec 2020
Programme start: Feb 2021
Supernova: 0 to 1 Incubation
“Our business is world-shaping and we want to take it to the next level.”
Our 44-week program is exclusive for companies that have a team, a product, revenue, some funding and a dream to take it all to the next level. The program is open to both Technology Transfer as well as entrepreneurs from around the globe in Agri, Climate or Health.
Application close: 15 Dec 2020
Programme start: Feb 2020
Techpreneurship Centre
Upskilling and placing software developers with mission aligned organizations
Application open: 1 Oct 2020
Application close: Mid Nov 2020
Programme start: Feb 2020
Orbit: Alumni Club
“We want to remain part of the SU LaunchLab network for further business development opportunities.”
Applications always open
Satellite: Hot Desk Community
An inspiring co-working space focused on entrepreneurial growth.
Secure a Hot Desk for only R1,200 per month.
Inspirational Webinars & Informative Talks
See our SU Entrepreneurship Hub for the latest events.
SUPERNOVA: 0 to 1 Incubator
“Our business is world-shaping and we want to take it to the next level”
Our flagship venture-building programme is a 44-week program that is exclusive for companies that have a team, a product, revenue, some funding and a dream to take it all to the next level. The program is open to both Technology Transfer as well as entrepreneurs from around the globe.

Our current companies
Testimonials
The LaunchLab is distinctly unique compared to other start-up accelerators. They live by their true purpose which is; to assist scalable high-growth companies reach their goals even when LaunchLab does not reap a direct benefit from an introduction, mentor support or incubation. This is a very uncommon characteristic. From a Vizibiliti perspective, Brandon Paschal and his team have done everything they could to help our business. A significant amount of our success has been directly linked to their efforts.
If you are a start-up interested in partnering with a nurturing, caring and well connected incubator, the LaunchLab should be top of your list.
Courtney Bentley
CEO of Vizibiliti-Insight
The Launchlab environment fostered such intense, transparent and effective conversations regarding building a business, opportunities in SA, forming a valuable network, importance of funding etc that it seemed like the norm. Only once you step out of this environment do you realise that these conversations in the “real” business world are not the norm, but very unique to incubators like the Launchlab. The Launchlab helped MzansiGO grow by entrenching these intense conversations into our everyday culture.
Thinus Pretorius
CEO & Founder of MzansiGo
LaunchLab offered me a safe space to transform from a one man band to an opportunity seeking entrepreneur. Getting guidance from a network of mentors and other entrepreneurs, I was able to enter the fintech industry with no prior experience. Their support stretched beyond our incubated business and they even sent new clients to our other ventures. We look forward to a continued journey with the Launch Lab team!
Jacobus Kriel
Founder & CEO of Gift Drop

Application
Please complete the application form to see whether you qualify to be a Stellenbosch University LaunchLab startup