18. Nneile Nkholise
Vital Stats:
- Business: iMed Tech
- Established: 2015
Up-and-coming fact:
Medical engineer Nkholise was introduced to 3D printing technology in 2013 while conducting research for her Master’s degree. She hopes to 3D print 1000 prosthetic breasts for 1000 mastectomy patients, by October 2018.
The social innovator’s vision is to transform healthcare in Africa, and she’s well on her way since the launch of her medical innovation startup which produces prosthetics for cancer patients and burn victims. Nkholise is the recipient of numerous awards including the presidential award for Science, Innovation and Technology at the 2017 South African Youth Awards. In 2016 she was named one of Africa’s top female innovators at the World Economic Forum.