Suttner’s winning concept is an efficient test-tube shaped solar powered 'light bulb', designed to bring affordable lighting to South Africans who often use paraffin for their lighting needs. Runners up were Robert Hofmeyr with Solar Switch and Wayne MacMillan with HAMBA.

A first for FNB, this competition showcased South Africa’s innovative talent and gave passionate individuals a platform to showcase, grow and develop their unique ideas into helpful innovations.

Innovation drives the economy and is seen as a contributor to the success of any company or country. “It relooks the status quo, identifies and removes red tape to change the way we behave for the better. The Ideas Can Help competition is just that – a platform to showcase simple innovative products and solutions from ordinary individuals that can help make a big difference in our country,” says Bernice Samuels, chief marketing officer at FNB.

The winning entry was chosen on its ease of use, source of affordable energy, is environmentally safe and durable.

“Continual investment into the SMME and entrepreneur sector is vital. Our core purpose is to fund and support growth by creating sustainable opportunities that will assist SMMEs in getting their businesses off the ground,” says Heather Lowe, Vumela Enterprise Development.

“As a developing economy we need to look at creating ‘innovation excellence’ that will contribute to global effectiveness and build an ideas rich economy. South Africa, like many other countries faces many challenges but through continuous investment in innovation these gaps are bridged and solutions can be found,” added Samuels.

“Innovation is about self-determination and wanting to make a difference. I applaud our innovators from the competition whose ideas will help create solutions that have the potential to make a tangible difference in South Africa,” concludes Samuels.

Entries were evaluated on overall uniqueness, innovativeness, business feasibility, quality of entrant and the potential to become a business success story. The winner received R500 000 to develop his idea and a year’s Business Development Programme/Incubation from the Vumela Enterprise Development Fund. The first and second runners up received R175 000 respectively and a six month incubation from Vumela Enterprise Development.