Enactus SMU Innovator Secures R250 000 at EDHE

Nondumiso Nkosi, a passionate young innovator from Enactus Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and founder of HepaSure, has achieved an outstanding milestone by securing 2nd place at the prestigious EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge 2025. Her breakthrough innovation earned her R250 000 in funding to advance her mission of transforming hepatitis B diagnosis across Africa.

HepaSure is an inventive healthcare solution designed to close long-standing gaps in the early detection and diagnosis of hepatitis B, a challenge that continues to affect millions, particularly in underserved communities. Traditional screening tools often miss certain variants, remain costly, or are inaccessible to rural and resource-limited clinics. HepaSure seeks to change that narrative.

Developed with a strong emphasis on accuracy, inclusivity, and affordability, HepaSure introduces a next-generation diagnostic platform that is both faster and more reliable. Its design empowers healthcare workers at all levels, from clinics to community outreach programmes to detect infections earlier and with greater confidence. By simplifying the testing process and ensuring it captures cases that current tools often overlook, HepaSure positions itself as a vital step forward in achieving diagnostic equity.

Nondumiso’s vision is to ensure no patient remains undiagnosed due to financial barriers, limited access, or outdated technology. Her innovation addresses these challenges head-on, offering a solution that is practical, scalable, and responsive to the realities of African healthcare systems.

Her achievement at the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge is not only a win for HepaSure but a powerful testament to the calibre of emerging innovators within Enactus SMU. It also reflects the broader Enactus commitment to empowering young leaders who develop solutions that uplift communities and strengthen national health outcomes.

As HepaSure continues to gain momentum, this recognition reinforces the importance of investing in student-led innovations that address pressing societal challenges. Nondumiso’s journey inspires a new wave of young change-makers dedicated to building a healthier, more equitable future.