University Incubators and Startups

The central theme of this book is the innovative startup ecosystem in universities, with a particular focus on emerging and transitioning economies across Asia and Africa. Through a series of richly detailed chapters, the book investigates how universities in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and South Africa contribute to economic development by nurturing startups, facilitating technology transfer, and establishing business incubators. Using case studies, process documentation research, and field-based evidence, the book captures both institutional innovations and policy-level engagements that foster entrepreneurship and support MSMEs in diverse sectors including agriculture, aquaculture, digital services, and renewable technologies. The reader will gain both conceptual clarity and empirical depth regarding how universities can align research, teaching, and outreach missions with startup development.

Mayekiso Thoko was the former Vice Chancellor at the University of Mpumalanga. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. In her academic career, Prof Mayekiso has held positions of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, and Vice Dean at the then University of Transkei.

Ogujiuba Kanayo is working as Professor at the School of Development Studies, Faculty of Economics at the University of Mpumalanga. He is the Director of UMPCFERI and plays a significant role in cross-institutional collaboration and research, initiating activities, furthering research development, and innovation activities.

Angelina Seow Voon Yee began her career as an auditor and an chartered accountant, and she gained wide international exposure in accounting and auditing work while she was working in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. She is currently a Professor and Director (Research Management) at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU).

Muhammad Ehsan Rana is an academic professional with an extensive background spanning over 20 years in academic management, lecturing, and quality assurance. He is an Associate Professor at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Malaysia with over 150 Scopus-indexed publications across journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.