Three Stellenbosch University (SU) student entrepreneurs are among the Top 20 finalists in the EDHE ABSA Innovation Challenge 2025. Chris Abraham (EV Fleet Sim), Amohetsoe Shale (Navu Group), and Andre Valkenburg (Resurfify) are researchers at SU, each building spinout companies in partnership with SU LaunchLab and the Innovus Technology Transfer Office. This recognition highlights the strength of SU’s innovation ecosystem in translating research into impactful and sustainable solutions. 

The ABSA Innovation Challenge is one of South Africa’s premier platforms for nurturing student entrepreneurship. It emphasises sustainability, bridges academia and industry, and provides pathways for scaling impactful innovations. 

The Top 20 finalists attended a two-day bootcamp in Johannesburg (26–27 September 2025), held under the theme “Entrepreneurship for Sustainability.” The programme combined intensive learning, mentorship, and networking – equipping them to take their innovations to the next level. 

All three of these entrepreneurs have been through SU LaunchLab’s Countdown Programme, which helps inventors validate the commercial venture potential of their technologies and inventions before spinning out as companies into the SU Group of companies. 

 

Meet the SU finalists: 

• Chris Abraham – EV Fleet: Developing sustainable electric vehicle solutions for fleet management, combining environmental impact with operational efficiency. 

• Amohetsoe Shale – NAVU: A Medtech startup building affordable, life-changing technologies for underserved communities. The startup blends engineering, design, and empathy to create inclusive solutions that restore independence, mobility, and dignity. 

• Andre Valkenburg – Resurfify: Pioneering eco-friendly resurfacing technologies to extend the lifespan of urban infrastructure. 

 

Key programme highlights 

The bootcamp exposed finalists to expert-led sessions, including: 

• Entrepreneurship pathways and impact, by Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director at EDHE, Universities South Africa. 

• The societal importance of supporting young innovators, by Nonhlanhla Magagula, Head: Corporate Citizenship Programmes, Absa. 

• Design thinking and creative problem-solving, led by Sifiso Skenjana, Founder of ESG Analytics. 

• Building and testing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), with Palesa Antony, Technology Ecosystems Lead at mLab. 

• Financial modelling for startups, presented by Precious Mvulane, CA (SA), Director of GAD Consulting Services. 

• Branding for impact, by Khensani Mabunda, CEO of KW Kreatives. 

• Mastering the perfect pitch, by Zakheni Ngubo, Founding Director of IRCA. 

 

The EDHE and Absa Group are acknowledged for their commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship, and for supporting young innovators in building businesses that address South Africa’s most pressing challenges. 

The journey is far from over, as the Top 20 finalists will compete for the National Finals and Awards, set to take place from 25–26 November 2025 in Gauteng. 

Follow further updates here.