The Aspen Route to Market competition 2025 has come to a close after showcasing incredible innovation and entrepreneurial talent in South Africa’s health and medical sector. This exciting initiative, run in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and leading business incubator Raizcorp, aims to identify and support high-potential businesses that have the ability to make a real impact in the country’s medical landscape.
About the competition
The Route to Market competition – now in its third year – is designed to support and accelerate the growth of emerging businesses in the country’s most critical industries. Through partnerships with Aspen Pharmacare (medical and health category), DHL (logistics), and now uMngeni-uThukela Water (water), the competition provides entrepreneurs with real access, real networking and real opportunity.
Finalists in each category receive specialised mentorship and business learning from GIBS faculty and industry experts, covering areas such as compliance, finance and intellectual property. They also undergo intensive pitch preparation, culminating in two rounds of pitching to senior executives and decision-makers from their respective category sponsors.
For the entrepreneurs, these sessions are more than just presentations – they are boardroom-level conversations designed to explore real business synergies, procurement opportunities and future collaboration.
Recognising innovation in the medical sector.
This year’s top three finalists stood out for their ingenuity, social impact and potential to contribute to South Africa’s health and medical industry:
- Augustine Nwozor – UltraPure HOCL (Pty) Ltd: A medical technology company producing the world’s purest, most stable hypochlorous acid to deliver safe, hospital-grade wound care and infection control for everyday use.
- Hillary Mukudu – TeledoctorSA: A digital healthcare platform that uses continuous remote ECG monitoring to detect heart abnormalities early and make advanced cardiac care accessible to individuals, families and workplaces.
- Nyeleti Mthombeni – Afrileadtech Research: A clinical research organisation expanding access to world-class health studies in rural communities while developing Africa’s next generation of scientists through specialised training programmes.
Announcing the winner
We are proud to announce that Augustine Nwozor, founder of UltraPure HOCL, has been named the winner of Aspen Water Route to Market 2025. Augustine stood out for bringing patented, hospital-grade science into practical, affordable healthcare solutions. UltraPure HOCL’s breakthrough technology producing a stable, 99.99% pure and long-lasting form of hypochlorous acid has set a new global benchmark for infection control. With applications spanning hospitals, pharmacies, households and veterinary care, Augustine’s business demonstrated both scientific excellence and real-world relevance. His ability to translate advanced biochemistry into everyday healing solutions positioned UltraPure HOCL as a leading contender in the Aspen category.
Speaking about the experience, Augustine Nwazo said, “One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is getting access to the hospital market – the difficulty lies in getting into the right channel, meeting the right people and gaining access to decision makers to allow our product to speak for itself. A relationship with Aspen could help open doors for us and could result in our business scaling significantly.”
Second place was awarded to Nyeleti Mthombeni of Afrileadtech Research, while Hillary Mukudu of TeledoctorSA placed third. Both entrepreneurs impressed the judges with their strong potential for impact in the sector.
Building real connections
By connecting small and growing businesses with key decision-makers, the Route to Market programme continues to open pathways for meaningful collaboration, helping business owners access new markets and strengthen South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
SUPPLIED.
