Qetello Baloyi (second from left) is congratulated for performing well in the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) ABSA Innovation Challenge. She is congratulated by Shiba Diketane from the UL Project Management Office (left), and Mususumeli Mathode and Makgobane Mokgale (third and fourth) from the Technology Transfer Office. Photo: Supplied
Qetello Baloyi, a 26-year-old master’s student in Geography at the University of Limpopo (UL), hails from Luthuli, Seshego, in the Polokwane Local Municipality and is rapidly emerging as one of Limpopo’s most promising young innovators
Raised by her grandparents, Baloyi has turned her determination into national recognition through innovative thinking and perseverance.
Recently, she secured third place nationally in the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) ABSA Innovation Challenge, winning R150,000 to advance her groundbreaking technology, which she proudly attributes to UL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
Baloyi’s journey into innovation began in 2023 when she attended a TTO workshop as part of the EDHE Intervarsity Programme. What started as curiosity soon transformed into a passion for entrepreneurship and technology development. Her involvement in UL’s innovation ecosystem shaped her mindset, refined her business acumen, and connected her with experts who helped her translate her idea into a tangible product. Her innovation, called Zus Nana, is a smart pantyliner designed to detect infections and illnesses—a concept that impressed both judges and investors at the national finals.
Her first major breakthrough occurred when her business idea placed second runner-up in the Existing Business with Social Impact category at the EDHE competition in 2023. This early recognition fuelled her determination to attend every workshop, masterclass, and opportunity offered by the TTO. Through these sessions, Baloyi enhanced her understanding of entrepreneurship, creativity, and intellectual property protection, knowledge she describes as “instrumental in navigating the innovation landscape.”
Over the past two years, she has grown not only as an innovator but also as a mentor. She began coaching other EDHE Intervarsity participants, a role she considers one of her most meaningful achievements.
“Giving back has helped me solidify what I have learned and allowed me to contribute to the growth of others,” she said.
This year marked another milestone in her entrepreneurial journey as she joined the EDHE Community Programme, SWEEP (Student Women Economic Empowerment Project). While preparing for the 2025 EDHE ABSA Innovation Challenge finals, Baloyi worked closely with Makgobane Mohale from the TTO, who connected her with the right experts to take the crucial step of protecting her innovation’s intellectual property.
“The TTO has been instrumental in helping me start the patent-filing process. They have supported me throughout my journey and continue to guide me as I engage with stakeholders,” she explained.
Winning third place nationally has been transformative for Baloyi, both personally and professionally. The R150,000 prize has accelerated the development of her prototype and strengthened her confidence as a woman innovator from Limpopo.
“This recognition proves that great ideas can come from anywhere, even small communities like mine. It has motivated me to dream bigger and to keep improving my product so it can help women across the country,” she says with pride.
Her success has inspired her to continue working with the TTO to refine her product for market entry and to explore partnerships with health institutions for further testing.
“This experience has changed how I see myself, not just as a student but as a businesswoman and innovator,” Baloyi concluded.