Shonaquip Social Enterprise (ShonaquipSE) participated in the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) media brunch held on Tuesday, 2 June at the Radisson Blu in Sandton, where TIA engaged with media stakeholders and showcased technologies, services, and impact across its investee and centre network.
The event brought together innovation partners supported through TIA’s funding and programme ecosystem, highlighting technologies emerging across sectors including health, manufacturing, and inclusive innovation.
ShonaquipSE showcased its work in assistive technology manufacturing and inclusive innovation development, demonstrating how mobility solutions are designed, tested, and supported for real-world use across African environments.
A key focus of the engagement was the organisation’s Centre for Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), which supports assistive technology innovators through clinical validation, prototyping, testing, manufacturing readiness, and commercialisation pathways.
The organisation also highlighted the Rural Assistive Devices (RAD) Testing Lab, which evaluates assistive technologies under both international standards and real-world African conditions, including rural and resource-constrained environments.
Through this integrated model, ShonaquipSE supports the development of assistive technology that is not only technically compliant, but also functional, durable, and accessible in everyday contexts.
Founded in 1992, ShonaquipSE is a South African social enterprise and assistive technology manufacturer working across wheelchair design, mobility systems, clinical support, and inclusive innovation development. The organisation designs and manufactures assistive devices adapted for rural and off-road conditions, using locally sourced materials and prioritising affordability, durability, and repairability.
ShonaquipSE reinvests all surplus into its social mission and operates as a hybrid social enterprise focused on long-term impact, accessibility, and inclusion.
The organisation works closely with innovators, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners across Africa to strengthen inclusive innovation pathways from concept to market readiness.
The TIA media engagement provided an opportunity for meaningful exchange with media stakeholders and ecosystem partners on the role of inclusive innovation in shaping accessible, locally relevant solutions across Africa.