Technopreneur
SP 220328 / Level 4 Credits: 60
Accreditation
The Technopreneur skills programme develops practical entrepreneurship, innovation and business development skills for people who want to establish, manage and grow a business in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The programme is registered with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) .
Purpose of the Skills Program
The programme prepares participants to establish, manage and grow a business while developing client relationships and applying practical skills relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Learners develop the ability to investigate problems and opportunities, conceptualise products or services and build a practical business idea around identified market needs.
Key areas include:
- Researching problems, opportunities and solutions
- Conceptualising a product or service and business idea
- Applying innovation and design-thinking principles
- Developing customer and market relationships
- Managing and growing a small business
Methodology
Training can be presented at the client's venue where group training is required. Classroom-based face-to-face delivery is available, while online sessions can also be scheduled where appropriate.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is used to manage learning activities and Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) documentation. Participants combine business theory with innovation workshops, practical projects and activities focused on developing viable products, services and business concepts.
Course Duration
75 days as scheduled in the rollout of the Skills Programme. The programme carries 60 credits at NQF Level 4.
What you will learn
The programme combines entrepreneurship, innovation, design thinking, marketing, customer development and business-management skills. Learners work with practical activities that help turn ideas and identified opportunities into viable products, services and business concepts.
Knowledge Component
- Conceptualising the business venture, product and service
- Fundamentals of design-thinking innovation
- Developing the business concept
- Markets, marketing and sales
- Business management and growth
Practical Component
- 900101-000-00-PM-01
Conceptualise and investigate the viability of a product or service for a small business venture, NQF Level 4, Credits 9. - 216604-000-00-PM-02
Participate in a Design Thinking for Innovation Workshop, NQF Level 4, Credits 4. - 900101-000-00-PM-03
Develop the concept, product or service and business concept, NQF Level 4, Credits 7. - 900101-000-00-PM-04
Manage and grow the business, NQF Level 4, Credits 7.
Included:
Learning materials, LMS access, facilitation, assessment, moderation, certification and classroom facilities are included as applicable to the programme delivery arrangement.
Not included:
Meals, transport and personal data or connectivity costs are not included unless specifically stated in the quotation.
Cost
Pricing is supplied on quotation and may depend on group size, delivery method, venue arrangements and programme requirements.
Who should study Technopreneur?
The Technopreneur programme is suitable for aspiring entrepreneurs, existing small-business owners, innovators and people who want to use technology and modern business practices to create new products, services or commercial opportunities.
It can also benefit individuals who already have a business idea but need a more structured way to investigate the opportunity, understand the customer, develop a workable concept and plan how the venture can grow.
Technopreneur skills for innovation and business
Technology entrepreneurship is not simply about creating a technology product. It involves using innovation, information and modern tools to solve real customer or community problems in commercially sustainable ways.
Learners develop skills in identifying problems and opportunities, investigating potential solutions and evaluating whether a product or service could become a viable business proposition. This creates a stronger foundation before significant time or money is committed to a new venture.
Design thinking and product development
Design thinking provides a practical way to explore problems from the perspective of the people who experience them. Learners consider customer needs, generate ideas, evaluate possible solutions and develop concepts that can be tested and improved.
The programme therefore connects innovation with practical business development. Participants are encouraged to think about how their ideas create value, who the intended customer is and how the resulting product or service could be positioned in the market.
Building and growing a sustainable business
A strong concept still needs effective marketing, sales, customer relationships and business management. Learners therefore explore the practical processes involved in communicating value, reaching customers and managing a growing venture.
The Technopreneur programme helps participants connect innovation with entrepreneurship so they can move from identifying an opportunity to developing, managing and improving a practical business concept.
Entrepreneurship in the 4IR environment
The Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to change the way businesses communicate, deliver services and interact with customers. Entrepreneurs increasingly need to understand how digital tools, innovation and changing customer behaviour can create both opportunities and competitive pressure.
Developing an adaptable approach to entrepreneurship helps business owners respond to these changes while continuing to focus on genuine customer needs and sustainable business value.
Continue your professional development
Explore our other Skills Programmes for additional occupational learning opportunities, or contact Occupational Studies for information about enrolment, group training, programme delivery and quotations.